Factors Associated with Treatment Satisfaction Among People Living with HIV in Japan and Other Selected Countries: Examination of the Intertwined Roles of Medication, Patient, and Provider Characteristics

We examined satisfaction and perceived challenges with antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Japan vs three other Asian countries (China, Taiwan, South Korea), and 21 non-Asian countries, using data from the 2019 Positive Perspectives Study (pooled sample size from all 25 countries = 2389). Participants in other Asian countries were more likely than those in Japan to report they missed ART ≥ 1 time in the past month because they were depressed/overwhelmed (57.4%[89/155] vs 32.0%[24/75]), had privacy concerns (56.8%[88/155] vs 30.7%[23/75]), were concerned about the potential long-term negative impacts of ART (46.5%[72/155] vs 26.7%[20/75]), or just wanted to forget about HIV (45.8%[71/155] vs 22.7%[17/75]). ART satisfaction however did not differ significantly between surveyed PLHIV in Japan (54.7%[41/75]) vs those in other Asian countries (47.7%[74/155]). The percentage who felt that daily ART dosing limited their lives was 36.0%[27/75] among participants from Japan, 48.4%[75/155] among participants from other Asian countries, and 27.3%[589/2159] among those from non-Asian countries. Within a structural equation model using pooled data from all 25 countries, positive correlations were seen between ART satisfaction and “provider engagement” (β = 0.35), high perceived control over ART dosing schedule (β = 0.28), and the belief that ART prevents HIV transmission (β = 0.16). Conversely, negative correlations were seen between ART satisfaction and experience of ART side-effects (β = − 0.24), high “ART anxiety” (β = − 0.20); and being on multi-tablet regimens (β = − 0.13). Those ART-satisfied reported higher self-rated health and greater ART adherence. These findings underscore the need for patient-centered care to enhance treatment satisfaction and improve ART adherence.