HIV patients' appraisal of antiretroviral treatment characteristics in Spain

Introduction The main goal was to determine HIV patients’ ratings of the characteristics of combined antiretroviral treatment (cART). We also analysed their satisfaction with the treatment, their trust in the physician, level of information, perceived support, and quality of life. Lastly, we determined whether these variables differed as a function of the typology of the participating patients. Methods A self-referred questionnaire was administered to 602 HIV patients attending external consultations in seven HIV clinics in Spain. The questionnaire included measures of patients’ ratings of the cART characteristics, health-related quality of life, engagement with the health care provider, perception of support, and socio-health information. Results The most valued characteristic of cART was its efficacy, followed by the absence of long-term adverse side effects. Very high scores were also obtained by clinical evidence, single daily dosage, and the absence of short-term adverse side effects and interactions. Satisfaction with cART was high, and the main source of information was the treating physician. Cluster analysis yielded two typologies of patients. Patients who had