Coding and analysis

Data were transcribed verbatim using patient's own words and explanations into texts through thematic content analysis. The researcher reviewed the data after extensive reading and re-reading of the transcripts and repeated listening of the records. An exploratory list of codes was generated, a process known as “open-coding process.”[18] Then, themes that best described the patient use of CAM were generated by investigating the relationships between the codes. The analysis was discussed with experts in qualitative researches for quality assurance and influence of their opinions.