Data Collection

In-depth interviews were conducted using pilot-tested, semi-structured interview guide developed based on themes from the literature on participation in priority setting and Ugandan policy documents. SDR conducted all the interviews. While decision-maker interviews were conducted in English language, interviews with the vulnerable women employed a translator who translated the English questions to the local languages and back translated the women’s responses to English for SDR. All interviews were audio-recorded, with permission from the participants. Examples of questions from the interview guide for vulnerable women included: “How are decisions about healthcare made in your community?”; “In what ways are you involved in decision-making processes about the health system in the district? At the village level?”; “How do you believe the district can improve the participation of women in decision-making about resource allocation in the health system?” (Supplementary file 1). Whereas, sample questions from the interview guide for district decision-makers included: “Tell me about participation within the district?”; “Who are considered vulnerable women in Tororo District from the perspective of the district?”; “How do these vulnerable women participate in priority setting decisions at the local level?”; “How should these women be involved in making decisions about the distribution of resources?” (Supplementary file 2).