A community-based participatory research approach to evaluating and improving hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma associations among people who inject substances in Indiana

Abstract

Objectives: To explore hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma among individuals who inject substances in South Central Indiana.

Design: A cross-sectional study design was employed using a community-based participatory research approach. The community partner was a grassroots harm reduction organization.

Sample: Participants in this study were at least 18 years of age, current residents of Indiana, and self-identified as injection substance users (n = 179).

Measurements: The survey measured hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma, as well as differences in hepatitis C risk scores among key demographic characteristics.

Results: Most participants identified as male (n = 106, 59%), White (n = 139, 78%), and straight (n = 143, 80%). People of color reported lower hepatitis C knowledge than White participants. Women had significantly lower hepatitis C knowledge compared with men. LGBTQ participants reported increased hepatitis C risk compared with straight participants. Increased frequency of substance use was associated with decreased stigma. Unhoused participants demonstrated significantly lower hepatitis C knowledge compared with housing-secure participants.

Conclusions: Our findings increase understanding that knowledge and risk around hepatitis C are associated with demographic characteristics. Results underscore the need for tailored public health interventions to increase hepatitis C knowledge, reduce stigma, and improve testing and treatment among vulnerable populations.

Keywords: harm reduction; health care improvement; hepatitis C virus; nursing interventions; stigma.