Unspoken Realities of Taking HIV Medication
Despite advancements in HIV treatment, emotional challenges with taking HIV medication persist. For some people living with HIV, taking a daily ARV therapy may not be as simple as it seems.1,2
Frustrations with taking HIV medication that may be left unsaid by patients
UNWELCOME REMINDERS
66% (n=716/1085)
of people living with HIV agreed that taking medication every day constantly reminds them of their disease.2*
“Taking my medication causes time to stop.
It takes me back to the very night I contracted HIV.”
– Nelson
UNWANTED DISCLOSURE
37% (n=401/1085)
of people living with HIV admitted to hiding their HIV medication to avoid accidental disclosure.2*
“I didn’t take it in front of friends because
I didn’t want to freak them out.”
–JaQuan
ADHERENCE ANXIETY
29% (n=315/1085)
of people living with HIV felt stressed and under pressure to take their daily medication at the right time.2*
“If I miss doses, I worry it may affect my
undetectable status.”
–Keiva
What may be left unsaid about HIV medication is now being heard. Keiva, JaQuan, and Nelson are sharing their unspoken realities in HIV.
ARV=antiretroviral.
*The Positive Perspectives survey is an international survey conducted with 1085 patients by ViiV Healthcare in 2017.
References:
1. Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents with HIV. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf. Accessed September 15, 2019.
2. Data on file. ViiV Healthcare group of companies. Research Triangle Park, NC.
HVUWCNT190040 October 2019
