Acceptability and preferences for long-acting antiretroviral formulations among people with HIV infection

ABSTRACT

The study evaluates the acceptability and preferences for long-acting antiretroviral therapy (LA-ART) among a diverse cohort of people with HIV infection (PWH). It consists of a self-administered survey and chart review of PWH presenting to an HIV clinic in Houston, Texas, between February and June 2018; 374 participants were included; 61% indicated that they were likely or very likely to use LA-ART formulations. When asked about preference, 41% preferred pills, 40% preferred injections, and 18% preferred an implant. The most common benefit reported was eliminating the need to remember taking daily HIV pills (74%); 43% were worried that LA-ART will not be as effective as pills. Participants with a college degree, men who have sex with men, and ART-experienced were more willing to use LA-ART. Participants who reported poor or fair health, or who screened positive for depression or anxiety were significantly less willing to use LA-ART. The likelihood of using LA-ART did not correlate with self-reported adherence and HIV suppression. Patients with difficulty scheduling and attending clinic visits preferred injections and implant over pills. Most participants indicated a willingness to use new LA ART formulations. However, 41% still prefers pills, and those more interested in LA-ART were not less adherent.

KEYWORDS:

• Long-acting antiretrovirals
• implants
• HIV
• acceptability
• survey
• attitude

Acknowledgements

We thank Ms Tanisha Bell and Ms Syundai Johnson at Baylor College of Medicine for their help in the data acquisition.

Study concept and design: Dima Dandachi, Bich N. Dang, Susan Swindells, Thomas P. Giordano. Acquisition of data: Dima Dandachi, Brandon Lucari. Analysis of data: Dima Dandachi, Bach N. Dang, Susan Swindells, Thomas P. Giordano, Brandon Lucari. Drafting of the manuscript: Dima Dandachi. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Dima Dandachi, Bich N. Dang, Susan Swindells, Thomas P. Giordano, Brandon Lucari. Approval of the final manuscript and agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved: All authors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Dr Swindells reports research grants to her institution from ViiV healthcare. All other authors report no conflicts of interest. Dr Swindells’ efforts are supported by grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the NIH [R24 AI 118397].