CONCERNS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
Click here to download the Positive Perspectives Survey report.
About the author
Dr Simone Marcotullio is a member of the Positive Perspectives Steering Committee. He is an HIV and AIDS advisor and advocate for national and international HIV and AIDS communities. His research is focused on understanding the concerns of people living with HIV, specifically around living with HIV and other health conditions, and how to best optimise therapy.
As part of an expert panel, I’ve been closely involved in the development of the Positive Perspectives survey, which aims to help us understand the emerging needs and challenges of both people living with HIV and their partners. The survey focuses on key issues facing people living with HIV on a daily basis, such as disclosing their status, managing comorbidities, treatment optimisation and communicating with their doctor.
The findings were presented at the 16th European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) meeting in 2017. The data specifically look at the experience of people living with HIV in Europe and their views on HIV treatment.
What does this data tell us about living with HIV?
One important insight arising from the survey findings is the emergent need for both healthcare providers (HCPs) and industry to do more to address concerns of people living with HIV when it comes to the long-term effects of treatment.
The Positive Perspectives survey showed that 72% (783/1,085) of people living with HIV who are currently taking antiretroviral medication for their HIV sometimes worry about the long-term effects of their HIV medication. In previous years, the HIV treatment paradigm focused solely on attaining viral suppression, but these data highlight the shift in attitudes and self-awareness seen over recent years, with people living with HIV thinking beyond viral load when considering their treatment.
It is often the case that decisions about important matters related to HIV care are made on behalf of people living with HIV without their consideration or full understanding. People living with HIV need to be both engaged with and listened to more frequently if they are to become empowered, educated and informed stakeholders in important decisions about their HIV treatment. Through Positive Perspectives, we are attempting to realise this aspiration.
For more information I encourage you to read the Positive Perspectives Survey Report which provides further insights into the challenges facing people living with HIV today.
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