ObjectivesTo explore hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma among individuals who inject substances in South Central Indiana.DesignA cross‐sectional study design was employed using a community‐based participatory research approach. The community partner was a grassroots harm reduction organization.SampleParticipants in this study were at least 18 years of age, current residents of Indiana, and self‐identified as injection substance users (n = 179).MeasurementsThe survey measured hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma, as well as differences in hepatitis C risk scores among key demographic characteristics.ResultsMost 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.ConclusionsOur 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.

中文翻译：

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一种基于社区的参与性研究方法，用于评估和改善印第安纳州注射毒品者的丙型肝炎风险、知识和耻辱关联


目的探讨印第安纳州中南部注射物质的个人丙型肝炎风险、知识和耻辱感。设计采用基于社区的参与性研究方法进行横断面研究设计。社区合作伙伴是一个基层减害组织。样本本研究的参与者年龄至少 18 岁，印第安纳州当前居民，自认为是注射物质使用者 (n = 179)。测量该调查测量了丙型肝炎风险、知识、结果大多数参与者被确定为男性（n = 106，59%）、白人（n = 139，78%）和异性恋（n = 143，80%） ）。有色人种的丙型肝炎知识低于白人参与者。与男性相比，女性对丙型肝炎的了解明显较低。 LGBTQ 参与者报告说，与异性恋参与者相比，丙型肝炎风险增加。物质使用频率的增加与耻辱感的减少有关。与有住房保障的参与者相比，无家可归的参与者的丙型肝炎知识明显较低。结论我们的研究结果加深了人们对丙型肝炎知识和风险与人口特征相关的认识。结果强调，需要采取有针对性的公共卫生干预措施，以增加丙型肝炎知识，减少耻辱感，并改善弱势群体的检测和治疗。