Table 2.

Overview of the pre-determined categories and sub-categories

Support provided by peer supporters to PLHIV
Pre-determined categories
Attachment	Social integration	Opportunity for nurturance	Reassurance of worth	Guidance	OPCs as the setting for peer support
Sub-categories
Gained emotional support	Non-disclosure promoted the need to meet a peer with similar concerns	Activated an opportunity for mutual support	Means to re-establish belief in one’s own worth	Perceived positive affirmation of disease management	A safe place
Disclosure behaviour allowed garnering of emotional support	Experienced a sense of belonging			Facilitated dialogue about disease management	A setting for flexible, individualised support