"What Is the Benefit?": Perceptions and Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living With HIV

Authors

Humberto Rodriguez Gonzalez, Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Andrea Isabel Volcan, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Breana Jae Castonguay, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Jessica Carda-Auten, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Carolina Ruiz, Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Matteo Peretti, Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
Angela Suarez, Program Integration and Evaluation, La Clinica Del Pueblo, Washington, D.C.
Deanna Kerrigan, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
David Alain Wohl, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Clare Barrington, Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2023

Journal

AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education

Volume

35

Issue

6

DOI

10.1521/aeap.2023.35.6.467

Keywords

HIV; long-acting antiretroviral therapy; perceptions; viral suppression

Abstract

Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LA-ART) expands treatment options for people living with HIV (PLWH). This qualitative study characterizes LA-ART awareness, perceptions, and preferences among PLWH engaged in HIV care. From 2019 through 2021, we conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with 71 PLWH sampled from three clinics in three U.S. settings (North Carolina, Washington, DC, Massachusetts). Transcripts were analyzed using narrative and thematic techniques. Participant mean age was 46 years (range 24-72); most were cisgender men (55%) and virally suppressed (73%). Most participants had not heard of LA-ART and reacted with a mix of excitement and cautiousness. Potential LA-ART benefits included easier adherence, privacy, and effectiveness; concerns included effectiveness, side effects, costs, and increased clinic visits. Participants appreciated that LA-ART could support achieving and sustaining viral suppression. To inform their decision, participants wanted more information and convenient access and administration. Findings indicated that a shared decision-making approach and economic and logistical support for PLWH could facilitate LA-ART uptake.

APA Citation

Rodriguez Gonzalez, Humberto; Volcan, Andrea Isabel; Castonguay, Breana Jae; Carda-Auten, Jessica; Ruiz, Carolina; Peretti, Matteo; Suarez, Angela; Kerrigan, Deanna; Wohl, David Alain; and Barrington, Clare, ""What Is the Benefit?": Perceptions and Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living With HIV" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 4024.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/4024

Department

Prevention and Community Health