2498. Perceptions of Injectable Antiretrovirals in an Urban HIV Clinic

BACKGROUND: Although 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). METHODS: This 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. RESULTS: 171 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. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that availability of injectable administration has potential to find acceptance among PLWH. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.