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

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.