“Understanding the Treatment Experience: A Qualitative Study of People

• Questions about HIV diagnosis, experience with oral ART, and experience and meaning of the transition to LAI-CAB/RPV ART were asked. [...] Experience with ART: Oral Initial treatment: • Lack of treatment options and limited efficacy of early medications - July, 64-year-old male "Initially, they gave me a possible diagnosis, but at that time, there was no medication. [...] Experience with ART: Oral Adherence: • The idea that “life depended on medication” was prevalent among some participants, instilling a sense of urgency and necessity for adherence. [...] Experience with ART: Oral Social Implications • The requirement to take multiple doses throughout the day disrupted social activities, travel plans, and work commitments, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. [...] Experience with ART: Oral Social Implications • The act of taking medication itself became emblematic of the profound changes HIV diagnosis brought to their lives, symbolizing a constant reminder of their condition. [...] • These delays sometimes required proactive follow-up from patients to ensure that the medication was available for their scheduled appointments. I mean the bureaucratic process of medical plans and the specialized pharmacy that is dedicated to distributing the medication... [...] - July, 64-year-old maleExperience with ART: Transition to LAI First-dose experience: • Feeling of excitement, hope, and enthusiasm. One participant compared the anticipation to a child's excitement on Christmas morning, describing it as a "gift of life“. [...] But I didn't mind as long as I don't have to take a pill anymore, I'm happy."Experience with ART: Transition to LAI Adherence • Participants' narratives show a high adherence level, highlighting the convenience of LAI. [...] • Participants expressed a sense of freedom and normalcy with the injectable therapy "Positively, as I repeat, it’s quality of life... [...] • Their positive experiences underscore the potential of LAI-CAB/RPV to revolutionize HIV management, enhancing both treatment adherence and quality of life.