This is an electronic version of an article published in AIDS Care. 2001 Feb;13(1):5-14. AIDS Care is available online at informaworldTM ; International guidelines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection change rapidly. They are mainly based on results from large-scale randomized clinical trials, but also on hypotheses. The objective of the study was to look at the use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in different HIV treatment centres in Europe. Between August 1996 and September 1997 self-administered anonymous questionnaires were distributed to persons with HIV infection at inpatient and outpatient departments in 11 European countries; 1,366 people completed the questionnaire. Important differences in use of ARVs were noted between different centres. Zidovudine was the drug that was used predominantly in all countries and by 77% of all patients; the use of didanosine, zalcitabine and stavudine differed widely. Use of ARVs was found to be lower for people who reported intravenous drug use (compared to homosexual transmission), people with a low education level, and those with a monthly income lower than 992 Euro. The use of a protease inhibitor containing ARV treatment regimen was significantly lower in the centres in the south of Europe. Between 1996 and 1997, many persons with HIV infection in Europe received a suboptimal ARV treatment regimen. Use of ARVs should be improved for intravenous drug users, persons with lower educational level and lower income.