Results from an international survey of HIV-positive patients – the largest of its kind conducted to date – were released today at the 17th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2008). Conducted by the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (IAPAC), the survey looked at the attitudes and perceptions of nearly 3,000 people living with HIV from 18 countries and shows an urgent global need for improved HIV and AIDS understanding and increased dialogue about quality of life.

Key survey findings indicate that a concerning number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the United States (U.S.) discontinue or switch treatment regimens due to apprehension or experience with side effects resulting from antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The findings also reveal that people living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. still live in fear of the societal stigma and discrimination that surround the disease although great strides have been made in the past 25 years to promote awareness of and education around HIV and AIDS. According to the survey:

Compared to all respondents, those in the U.S. voiced substantially more concern over many potential side effects (p<0.05)

- 38% had discontinued treatment due to side effects
- 55% had switched treatment due to side effects

Approximately 50% are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about others knowing their HIV status, with 84% claiming this is predominantly due to concern about social discrimination and stigma.

In light of these findings, IAPAC issued a global call-to-action at this year’s AIDS 2008 congress urging international discussion among AIDS care physicians, advocates and patients to drive education in treatment awareness and prevention on a global scale.

8/05/08

Source
International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (IAPAC).Global HIV Survey Results Released at International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2008). August 4, 2008.