Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are You Doing the Study?

Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI-ART) is a great medication option for people living with HIV (PWH). Patients think it is convenient and easier than daily pills. Although it is more convenient, they worry that frequent clinic visits can increase stigma, increase the risk of disclosure, and lead to frequent disruptions in their daily lives. Traveling to a clinic for injection visits multiple times throughout the year can also be expensive and hard to arrange for many patients and can worsen inequality in healthcare.

Similarly, clinicians worry that additional visits outside of routine care may lead to missed appointments, decreased engagement in care, and put further strain on limited clinic resources. Training a Treatment Buddy (such as family, friend, or partner of the patient) to give the injection can help mitigate some of these barriers. This model of care has been used successfully in other contexts. Until now, it has not been evaluated for HIV treatment. Alternative LAI-ART delivery methods have the potential to increase the PWH and the Treatment Buddy’s confidence, empowerment, convenience, privacy, and self-management skills, and ultimately facilitate LAI-ART uptake and persistence.

Are You Currently in Aim 1 or Aim 2?

We just completed Aim 1 and will be recruiting for Aim 2 starting early 2026.

Who Can Participate?

We are looking for 2 types of people:

People Living with HIV who are:

  • 18+
  • Patient at Ward 86, Women's HIV Clinic, or 360 Clinic.
  • Prescribed CAB/RPV and completed the first dose without any major issues
  • Can identify a support person (ie family, friend, or partner) who knows about their HIV status (or feel comfortable telling) who is willing and eligible.
  • Have sufficient fluency in English.
  • Virologically suppressed.
  • Intend to use CAB/RPV for at least the next 12 months.

Treatment Buddies:

  • 18+
  • Have been asked by a PWH who meets the above criteria
  • Able and willing to provide injections to the PWH, who has also agreed to participate.
  • Have sufficient fluency in English.
How Much Time Will It Take?

Aim 2 lasts 12 months.

Where Will the Interviews Take Place?

Study visits are a combination of in-person and Zoom visits. The in-person visits take place at a location of the Person Living with HIV's choosing. 

Will I Get Paid?

Participants will receive up to $310 to $735 for participating via Venmo or eGiftcard.

How Do I Sign Up For the Study?