Table 1 Example of content analysis process (Meaning unit, condensed meaning unit, and codes)

I stopped using medication because I had no money for bus fare and my husband left home. That is why I didn’t swallow pills for 3 months. He left home because he is not HIV-infected. The medications make me sick; I feel better without them. Actually, I do not have any symptoms, so why should I take medications?! NZo7

I stopped taking medication because my husband left me, I had no money for transport, the medications make me feel bad, and I am asymptomatic.

-Poor financial status

-Lack of financial support

-Lack of social support

-Medication side effects

-Absence of disease symptoms

I stopped taking the medication because I was not sick. How can I take drugs while I am not sick? Is that possible?... The separation from my husband also played a big part in my stopping medication. He left me because he tested HIV-negative. Therefore, I used the medication for some time, but then my legs began to feel numb …. I worry that using drugs for life may cause other problems. NZ04

I stopped the medication because I was not sick. My husband left me because he is HIV-negative. The medication caused numbness in my legs, and I feared about the problems I could get from using long-term medication

-Absence of disease symptoms

-Family problems

-Medication side effects

-Fear of long-term effects of medications

Even though there were times did not have money for transport, I walked to the clinic to get my medication. I never thought of quitting the treatment because I wanted to protect my child. BN1

I did not have money for transport but I walked to the clinic for my medication. I wanted to protect my child

Poor financial status

A need to protect the child