Improving Treatment and Retention Adherence in Nontraditional Settings

This is a hybrid implementation-effectiveness study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The research aims to examine whether providing a new, but approved, HIV once a month injection treatment \[Cabotegravir-Rilpivirine Long Acting (CAB-RPV LA)\] to individuals who are living with HIV outside of the standard doctors office or clinic increases adherence to treatment. This HIV monthly injections treatment which is already being delivered within the clinic setting, will be administered to participants in community partner spaces, reducing the barriers that having to present to a traditional clinic for treatment creates. Individuals who will receive the injection need to have a history of being unable to take their HIV oral medication, as well as other barriers to care that make it difficult to engage in a traditional clinic setting. These barriers may include, but are not limited to, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, and stigma around their diagnosis. Data will be collected on whether it was easier for the participants to receive care in a non-traditional setting, as well as whether the injection made it easier for them to remain adherent to their HIV medication in comparison to standard oral HIV medication.