Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Treatment Acceptability and Preferences: A Qualitative Study Among US Providers, Adults Living with HIV, and Parents of Youth Living with HIV

To better understand acceptability of long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatment (LAI-ART) regimens for HIV management, we conducted seven semi-structured focus group discussions with experienced HIV care providers and persons living with HIV (PLWH) and five individual interviews with parents of children living with HIV in the western United States. Although providers were wary about a potential negative impact on consistent engagement in care, they predicted that patients, especially those with adherence challenges, would be enthusiastic about LAI options. Many PLWH, especially young adults, welcomed the option of an LAI-ART regimen; however, others feared injections and expressed concerns about possible side effects, dosing more frequent than every 2 weeks, additional costs, and lower efficacy. Parents' interest varied according to their child's age and sensitivity to injections. In summary, potential users considered LAI-ART generally acceptable yet voiced possible concerns as well, especially if their current pill-based regimen was effective in achieving viral suppression.