Table 2 Themes and corresponding codes

1. Dynamics of CKD status

 Current health/ disease status

 Decline in health/progression of CKD

 Kidney transplant

 Dialysis

 Improvement in overall health and CKD

2. CKD Comorbidities

 Controlling comorbidities

 Uncontrolled comorbidities

 Underlying causes of CKD

 Mistaking CKD and comorbidity symptoms

3. Managing CKD and symptoms

 CKD symptoms

 Medications and supplements

 Diet

 Exercise

 Other Lifestyle management

4. Life participation and outlook

 CKD and work or family

 Stress

 Fearful or negative feelings

 Future with CKD

 Optimistic/positive outlook or motivated to change health

 Being unsure or resources not applying (or under support on forum for CKD benefit)

5. Medical tests and results

 Lab results

 Medical tests/procedures

 Unexpected test results or worrying from doctor visit

6. Navigating healthcare and clinical needs

 Medical history

 Healthcare differences and resources

 Not aware of early-stage CKD

 Dissatisfied with care or not getting adequate care

 Change in care

 Positive remarks for doctor or healthcare

 Medical specialists

 COVID and CKD

7. Support on the forum

 Seeking advice or support on forum

 Information Support on forum

 Emotional Support on forum

 Consulting with or knowing what to ask doctors (other users telling others what to ask)

 Slowing or preventing progression of CKD (users sharing their own or telling others on ways to slow the progression – could instead be under strategies)

 Strategies for increasing CKD recommendation adherence

 Caregivers