Table 2 Themes and categories that emerged in the analysis

1. Theme

Conceptions of disease and antibiotics

1.1 Category:

Causes of common childhood diseases

1.2 Category:

Antibiotics are a remedy for common symptoms

1.3 Category:

Antibiotics are used to treat specific diseases

1.4 Category:

Antibiotics are a universal treatment

2. Theme

Conceptions of accessing treatment

2.1 Category:

Home treatment is used before seeking healthcare

2.2 Category:

Healthcare facilities are trustworthy

2.3 Category:

Healthcare facilities may not be accessible or satisfactory

2.4 Category:

Pharmacies are cheap and convenient

3. Theme

Conceptions of administering medication

3.1 Category:

Understanding and receiving instructions

3.2 Category:

Storing and re-using the medication

3.3 Category:

Adherence to prescription