A Quantitative Discrete Choice Experiment Survey-Based Study of Preferences for a Hypothetical Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Administered Once Every 2 Months Among People Living with Schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES

This quantitative preference study aimed to quantify the strength of preferences for a hypothetical once-every-2-months long-acting injectable (LAI) vs an oral medication or once-monthly LAI, to identify the factors that drive preference for a once-every-2-months LAI and to evaluate these preferences in relation to the current treatment in schizophrenia.

METHODS

An online survey that included a discrete choice experiment (DCE) component was used to quantify the preferences of adults living with schizophrenia who were receiving treatment with an oral antipsychotic or a once-monthly LAI from five countries across North America and Europe. The survey included questions about the respondent and their attitudes towards schizophrenia and treatment, including their views on a hypothetical LAI taken once every 2 months. The DCE component was used to determine preference weights for levels of the following treatment attributes: mode and frequency of administration, flexibility of administration, psychiatric hospital admission, symptom improvement, social functioning, feelings of sedation, and overall weight gain.

RESULTS

In total, 212 people living with schizophrenia completed the survey, of whom 66.5% were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their current treatment. A greater proportion of people living with schizophrenia currently receiving a once-monthly LAI (67.0%) were "very likely" or "likely" to try a hypothetical once-every-2-months LAI than those receiving oral treatment (46.2%). The most common motivation for trying a hypothetical once-every-2-months LAI was to not have to think of taking the medicine as often (43.6%), while the most common barrier was a fear of needles (30.4%). Results from the DCE indicated that symptomatic improvement and a reduced risk of hospital admission were among most important treatment attributes for acceptance.

CONCLUSIONS

Most people living with schizophrenia were open to the idea of trying a hypothetical once-every-2-months LAI treatment for schizophrenia, particularly those who were currently receiving a once-monthly LAI.