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.

Abstract

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.