Table 4 Key themes by interview respondent

A

i) Predictions of future illness

ii) Resourcefulness in use of treatment or utilizing healthcare from an “unauthorized” source

B

i) Frustration with clinics treating the symptom and not the cause

ii) Belief that earlier medical neglect caused present condition; Coping with the help of family

C

i) Medical-related stress aggravating chronic condition

ii) Coping with the help of friends and community based organizations

D

i) Determination required in dealing with formal healthcare services

E

i) Fear of consequences of leaving condition untreated

ii) Ambivalence towards clinic and lifelong medication

F

i) Acceptance of a flawed healthcare service

G

i) Pragmatic approach to treating chronic illness, using a wide variety of approaches

ii) Adapting and living with chronic illness

H

i) Fear of side effects of pharmaceutical medication

I

i) Regular use of clinic, but improved health attributed to alternative remedies

J

i) Encouraged by family members with same disease

ii) Arguments with nurses at the clinic

K

i) View of condition in a non-specific way, as a part of life:

L

i) Invasive encounters with medical system