Characterizing AIDS Drug Assistance Program Practices and Policies for Sustained Viral Suppression Using the...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) are crucial for providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to low-income and uninsured/underinsured people with HIV (PWH).
• ADAPs operate with jurisdictional flexibility, impacting client outcomes like viral suppression rates.
• Despite an 85% national viral suppression rate, the 90% goal to end the HIV epidemic remains unmet, with limited understanding of factors driving success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively examine operational, organizational, and contextual factors influencing ADAP effectiveness in improving viral suppression.
• To identify mechanisms enabling high performance and viral suppression for all PWH within ADAPs.
• To inform policy, program, and operational changes for enhanced ADAP design and implementation.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive approach using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).
• Semi-structured interviews with 33 state-level ADAP leaders, decision-makers, and staff across 16 states.
• Analysis of interview data using deductive and inductive approaches with situational mapping.

Main Results:

• Data analysis is currently underway as of March 2026.
• Interviews were conducted between February 12, 2025, and March 20, 2025.
• Participant data includes 33 individuals from 16 states across all four U.S. Census regions.

Conclusions:

• The study anticipates identifying key features, practices, and norms contributing to high viral suppression rates in ADAPs.
• Findings will provide evidence for improving state and federal regulations, program development, and resource allocation.
• Dissemination of results is expected to support enhanced viral suppression, individual health outcomes, and public health objectives.