Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy satisfaction among people living with HIV in an urban Japanese hospital: a retrospective analysis using the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire

This retrospective chart review assessed treatment satisfaction among virologically suppressed people living with HIV using the 12-item HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (HIVTSQ-12; 0-66). Adults in routine care at Teikyo University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) with ≥24 weeks of ART completed the scale between September 1 and December 31, 2024. Low satisfaction was defined as total <58. Fifty-nine men (median age 50 years) were analyzed; the median score was 60, and 28.8% had low satisfaction. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables were compared between satisfaction groups. HIV-related markers - including regimen class, viral load, and CD4 count - were not associated with low satisfaction. In multivariable models, only documented mental health disorders independently predicted lower odds of high satisfaction (adjusted OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.02-0.50; p = 0.006). Longer visit intervals were linked to lower satisfaction in univariable analysis only. Overall satisfaction was high in this predominantly suppressed cohort. Findings highlight the importance of integrated mental health assessment and support to optimize patient-reported outcomes; the signal surrounding visit intervals warrants prospective confirmation and could guide flexible follow-up strategies tailored to patient needs. These results inform quality improvement efforts in outpatient HIV services and refine targets for person-centered care.