*2.5. Ethics*

Participant information sheets were distributed, which detailed the benefits and potential risks of the study, as well as patient rights and study procedures, including audio recording, confidentiality, and data storage. Verbal and written informed consent were sought from all participants before interviews. All participants agreed to be audio recorded and quoted anonymously in publications. Audio recordings and electronic transcripts were stored in secure data servers, while printed transcripts and notes were stored in a locked cupboard. Study participation was voluntary, and we explained that participants could refuse to answer questions or terminate interviews at any point.

This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee, University Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia and the Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health, Malaysia (Approval numbers: UM.TNC2/UMREC-238 and NMRR-18-1309-42043).
