# 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.

## Key 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)