Abstract Background Understanding the diverse experiences of people with HIV (PWH) is crucial for enhancing engagement in care and improving long-term treatment outcomes. Methods 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. Results 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). Conclusion 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. Disclosures 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)
Guillaume et al. (Thu,) studied this question.