P-2084. HIV Viewpoints: Survey on the Treatment Experiences of People Living with HIV in Canada, Mexico, and the United States

TL;DR

This survey explores the treatment experiences of people living with HIV in Canada, Mexico, and the US, highlighting satisfaction, adherence challenges, and reasons for delayed treatment initiation.

Contribution

A cross-national survey capturing real-world treatment experiences of PWH, emphasizing factors influencing treatment adherence and satisfaction.

Findings

36% of participants initiated ART more than 30 days after diagnosis, with fear of side effects and needing time to accept the diagnosis as top reasons.

Participants reported high satisfaction with ART, with treatment effectiveness and long-term safety as top priorities for staying on medication.

Satisfaction scores were significantly higher for those on treatment for ≥10 years compared to those on treatment for <10 years.

Abstract

Understanding the diverse experiences of people with HIV (PWH) is crucial for enhancing engagement in care and improving long-term treatment outcomes.

A 45-minute, cross-sectional, online survey was co-developed by investigators and community advocates from Canada, Mexico, and the US and translated into local languages. The survey captured treatment experiences of PWH across the HIV care continuum. Participants ≥ 18y were recruited through patient databases, patient panels, advocacy groups, and physician referrals.

Among 852 participants, 24% were in Canada, 29% in Mexico, and 47% in the US (Table 1). Most participants (97%) were currently on or had previously taken antiretroviral therapy (ART), with the majority (77%) of those currently treated taking single-tablet oral daily ART. Among those who were or had been on ART, 36% initiated treatment >30 days after diagnosis (Table 1), including 48% of those diagnosed ≥ 10 years ago and 28% of those diagnosed < 10 years ago. Top reasons for delayed initiation were fear of potential side effects (29%), needing time to accept HIV diagnosis (28%), and physician recommendation based on CD4 count (25%).

Difficulties with treatment adherence were reported by 16% of participants taking oral ART and 13% taking injectable ART. The most important treatment features identified for staying on treatment long-term or for switching were that the treatment allowed PWH to achieve/maintain an undetectable viral load, was well tolerated and effective over a long period of time and had limited or manageable side effects (Figure 1). The median HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version score was 51.5/60.0 overall and was significantly higher for PWH had been on treatment for ≥ 10 years (56.0/60.0) compared with those who had been on treatment for < 10 years (49.0/60.0; Table 2).

Participants reported high satisfaction with ART and identified treatment effectiveness, long-term safety, and side effects as top considerations for remaining on or switching HIV medication. A substantial proportion of participants delayed starting treatment. These factors highlight important considerations for supporting PWH to remain engaged in care and take medication as prescribed.

Xavier Guillaume, n/a, Oracle Life Sciences, commissioned by Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee Amina Omri, n/a, Oracle Life Sciences, commissioned by Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee Larkin Callaghan, n/a, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee|Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Michael Bogart, n/a, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee|Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Kesha O'Reilly, n/a, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee|Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Megan Dunbar, PhD, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee|Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company)

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