(NAPSA)—A new national online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of ViiV Healthcare in 2013 sheds some light on potential reasons why some HIV-positive people seek National Survey Highlights Potential Barriers to HIV Treatment Use | Current Treatment Use: | and stay on treatment and others Americansliving with HIV are taking the medicines they need despite current recommendations advocating for early and widespread treatment.* do not. Why does that matter? Because, despite significant strides in HIV therapy and access to care, only one in three HIV-positive adults in the U.S. are taking the medicines they need to live longer, healthier lives and reduce the chance of passing the disease on to a partner. According to the survey, HIV- Potential Barriers: a 0, 30% of untreated* patients believe thatthe side effects of HIV prescription medicines are worsethan HIVitself. Only 15% of treated** patients agree. positive adults who aren’t using a prescription medicine to treat their disease may not have accurate information about HIV and 70% of treated patients are worried about spreading their HIV to others, compared to its treatment. In fact, only 25 per- only 53% of untreated patients. cent of these folks are aware that taking HIV prescription medicine reduces the risk of passing the 20% of untreated patients don't use prescription HIV disease on to a partner. “This survey shows that gaps in knowledge about treatment among people living with HIV medicine because oncetheystart, they'll need to be on it for the rest of their lives, but 80% of treated patients say it makes them feel better, and they can focus on the important thingsin theirlife. may serve as potential barriers to antiretroviral therapy and that educating people about the importance and benefits of HIV treatment is critical,” said Julie Scofield, Executive Director, National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors. “As part of our ongoing educational efforts, we must also continue to address the ongoing stigma and discrimi- nation issues that people living with HIV face. The associated consequences are far-reaching and can interfere with HIV testing, care and treatment.” Health authorities recommend Knowledge Differences HIV attacks the immune system and body evenif the person with HIV doesnotfeel sick. The human body does not have a naturalability to fight HIV. Being on HIV prescription medicine lowerstherisk of transmitting HIV to someoneelse. B Treated | Untreated early treatmentfor the benefit of the patient, so it’s important that anyone who tests positive for HIV seek the care and counsel that he or she needs. The website www.aids.gov is a great resource for information about HIV testing, treatment and local support. Learn More For more information about the survey, visit www.ViiVHealthcare. com. Untreated patients’ beliefs may be preventing them from seeking the care and treatmentthey need. A total of 911 HIV-positive (18+) untreated and treated patients were surveyed nationally and in six local markets.*** eco COU DeeaeaeMR CCC cde.govihiv/pdfiresearch_mmp_StagesofCare.pdf. Referenced on M 159) years; Treated (n=752) TMUeos er T)
