Factors Associated with Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in South Africa

Toska, E; Zhou, S; Chen-Charles, J; Gittings, L; Operario, D; Cluver, L

Journal article

Factors Associated with Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in South Africa

Abstract:: BackgroundLong-acting injectable (LAI) antiretroviral medications are as effective as daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) and offer discreet, less frequent dosing. LAIs may be ideal treatment options for people who experience challenges with adherence to daily oral ART, including mobile men living with HIV (MLHIV).MethodsWe conducted a qualitative substudy within two parent trials in 24 health facilities in Malawi that enrolled MLHIV ≥15 years not on ART. We conducted in-depth interviews with a stratified random sample of participants who had taken oral ART and self-reported mobility (travel) during the 6-month study (≥1 trip of ≥3 nights). Interviews described cabotegravir/rilpivirine and asked about clients' stated preferences for LAI vs. oral ART and their reasoning. Interviews were translated, transcribed, coded in Atlas.ti, and analyzed using framework analysis.ResultsWe interviewed 29 mobile MLHIV from July 1, 2022, to August 30, 2022, median age 36 years (interquartile range: 31-41), mean 28 nights away in the past 6 months (SD: 40). Nearly all participants (26/29) expressed a preference for LAI over daily oral ART because LAI would reduce the risks of forgetting to take pills and unwanted disclosure. Three men preferred oral ART primarily because of fear of side effects from a new medication. A few men reported they would change their preference if injection site reactions prevented them from working.ConclusionsMobile MLHIV in Malawi with previous ART adherence challenges expressed strong stated preferences for LAI over daily oral ART. Further research is needed to understand implementation challenges and potential effectiveness of LAI among harder-to-reach populations

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

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APA Style

Toska, E., Zhou, S., Chen-Charles, J., Gittings, L., Operario, D., & Cluver, L. (2023). Factors Associated with Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS and Behavior, 27(7), 2163–2175.

MLA Style

Toska, E, et al. “Factors Associated with Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in South Africa.” AIDS and Behavior, vol. 27, no. 7, 2023, pp. 2163–75.

Chicago Style

Toska, E, S Zhou, J Chen-Charles, L Gittings, D Operario, and L Cluver. 2023. “Factors Associated with Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in South Africa.” AIDS and Behavior 27 (7): 2163–75.
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