Patient acceptance of long-acting injectable antiretroviral (LAI-ARV) HIV-1 regimens will determine uptake. Although previous literature reports high satisfaction, these data stem from clinical trials subject to selection bias. This cross-sectional survey from the HIV practices of an urban academic medical center assessed perceptions and preferences using Likert scales toward overall acceptability, proposed frequencies, injection-site reaction durations, and distribution venue. 59% of surveys were completed resulting 202 respondents. 60% were male, 72% black, and the median age was 49 (IQR 36-58). 93% reported a once daily tablet frequency, 69% reported single tablet regimens, and 59% reported missing zero doses in the prior 30 days. Patients self-categorized as likely (57%) or unlikely (43%) to accept LAI-ARV. Both decreasing frequencies between injections and durations of injection-site reactions resulted higher acceptability scores. 57% of respondents preferred receiving an injectable from their clinician’s office over other potential options. These data demonstrate positive LAI-ARV acceptance potential.

BackgroundAlthough new injectable antiretrovirals (ARV) for HIV may soon be available, there is little research on patient preferences. We examined perceptions of injectable ARV among persons living with HIV (PLWH).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among PLWH presenting for an appointment at TempleHealth in Philadelphia, PA between March 11 and April 18, 2019. Respondents completed a self-administered survey comprising 29 questions about socio-demographic data, current ARV, and preferences regarding injectable ARV therapies. Responses were recorded on a 10-point Likert scale, on which responses in the 1–5 range were defined as unlikely and 6–10 range as likely to choose injectable ARV. The primary endpoint was to describe factors associated with likely vs. unlikely uptake of injectable ARV. Responses between groups were compared with Chi-square or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.Results171 patients completed a survey with a 56% response rate. Demographics were 60% male, 70% African American, 33% LGBQ-identifying, 2% transgender, with a mean age of 48 ± 13 years. Percentages of likely uptake (55%, n = 94) and unlikely uptake (45%, n = 77) were similar. Median likelihood was 7 (IQR 7–10) and varied from likely (10, IQR 8–10) and unlikely (1, IQR 1–5) cohorts. There were no differences in overall likelihood based on current number of pills or pill frequency (P > 0.05). A likelihood trend was found among patients who missed one or more doses per week, however current adherence was not significant (p = 0.06). Likelihood of uptake means increased as the frequency of administration decreased: 1-week (5.7 ± 3.7), 2-week (5.9 ± 3.7), 1-month (7.3 ± 3.5), 2-month (7.3 ± 3.6), and 3-month (7.7 ± 3.4). Likelihood of uptake decreased as duration of a potential injection site reaction increased: 1 day (6.2 ± 3.5), 2–3 days (4.6 ± 3.3), 4–6 days (3.6 ± 3.1), 7 days or longer (3.0 ± 3.2). Respondents preferred their doctor’s office (60%) over self-injection (23%), assisted injection at home (11%), pharmacy (4%), or special injection center (2%) for administration setting.ConclusionOur study indicates that availability of injectable administration has potential to find acceptance among PLWH.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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