14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain — July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12;14:Abstract No. MoPeB3290

BACKGROUND: The number of HIV medications continues to grow with the introduction of new classes of drugs and additional entries within classes. In total, there are now 19 different antiretrovials (ARV) which can be combined into many discrete regimens. Most HIV drugs are considered efficacious with new entrants to differentiate themselves along the quality of life platforms of side effects and convenience. The emergence of once-daily regimens responds to patient preference for simpler regimens that fit better with their daily lives.

METHODS: A survey was completed among people living with HIV (PWHIV) in December 2001 and January 2002 regarding patient awareness and interest in once-daily (QD) ARV regimens. The survey instrument was fielded by POZ Magazine Poll (via telephone), AWARE Talk Radio Poll (via internet), and 3 Chicago-area AIDS Service Organizations - The Core Center, AIDS Research Alliance, Howard Brown Center (via paper surveys).

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 536 HIV+ patients (71% male) ranging from 25 - 68 years old. 65% had been or currently are on ARV therapy. 80% of patients indicated they were "most likely" to remember all of their ARV doses on a QD regimen compared with 63% on a BID regimen (p<0.001). 68% of patients would prefer a QD regimen "Take 4 pills once during the day (either morning or evening)" versus 24% who prefer "Take 1 pill in the morning and 2 pills at night", 5% "Take 1 pill in the morning and 4 pills in the evening", and 3% did not answer (p<0.001). 73% of PWHIV claimed QD regimens would fit better in their daily lives than BID regimens (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: These survey data suggest once-daily ARV regimens are preferred by patients, and are more compatible with their lives.

Presenting author: M F Smith

1 Bristol-Myers Squibb Virology, Plainsboro, NJ, United States.

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Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.