Table 3 Summary of data analysis methods

Data analysis was participatory that engaged participants:

• Members of RPG and RAG identified, categorized and summarized top priorities using nominal group techniques [12]

• Members of RPG generated long lists of data in small groups in a two-times per weekly PAR sessions using Venn diagrams and flipcharts

• SA conducted preliminary thematic analysis of from meeting minutes, flipchart notes and facilitators reflective notes

• Then shared with RPG by displaying on the wall to demystify the PAR process, enable collective sense-making of the data, encourage their active participation, ensure an accurate representation of their views and critically reflect on any gaps

• Finally, the summary of the prioritization exercise and flipchart presentations at each session was triangulated with audio-recordings of sessions, minutes of the workshops and the SA's reflective notes; and presented descriptively for the three stages of PAR (See Figs. 3, 4)

RPG experience of involvement data was analyzed using inductive and deductive approach using six steps thematic analysis procedures described by Braun and Clarke [21]:

• All interviews were transcribed verbatim into Amharic by independent transcribers

• SA checked transcripts for accuracy, and translated into English

• De-identified transcripts were then uploaded to Opencode 4.03 software, to assist data management and analysis

• SA and a colleague independently carried out initial coding of two randomly selected transcripts inductively

• Following discussion and consensus about the coding, SA coded all the transcripts and collated the codes into sub-themes and themes

• The coding trees developed from the in-depth interviews data were used to link the content and common elements from supporting datasets (field notes, workshop minutes and reflective notes, observation) through a deductive thematic analysis approach [21] using a process of describe-compare-relate [22]