Table 4 Coding framework (selected examples): from reduced categories to final coding framework

Injection injuries

Perceptions of harm (in steroid users)

Adverse effects

Notions of harm in intravenous/psychoactive drug users

Advice from service providers

Disparity between using practices (service providers contra steroid users)

Preferences and viewpoints amongst users

Negative peer influence

Perceptions of syringe distribution limitation

Needle and syringe distribution models

Experiences with outreach-based distribution through users

Notions of key users as distributors

Boundaries of harm reduction

Steroid regimen information

Positive outcome of steroid regimen information

Negative views on steroid regimen advice

Steroid clinic function

Steroid clinics versus conventional needle and syringe programmes

Positive notions of specialised interventions

Negative outcome of specialised interventions