Hepatitis C and injecting drug use: The realities of stigmatisation and discrimination

Abstract

Objective To examine the extent of discrimination and stigmatisation related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, as experienced by injecting drug users in Sydney, Australia.

Design Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from injecting drug users (IDUs). Questions included basic demo- graphics, injecting and sexual history, HCV knowledge, risk practices, self-reported HCV diagnosis, and experiences of discrimination and o stigmatisation, as well as harm reduction services provided by needle and syringe programmes (NSPs). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from IDUs.

Setting Questionnaires were distributed to clients of NSPs in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Method Ten NSPs and one methadone clinic were selected. Questionnaires were distributed to all of these outlets and a total of 274 persons were recruited. The staff at the selected sites asked clients to fill out the questionnaire while distributing injecting equipment.

Results Most HCV related discrimination against drug users was reported in health care settings. Fifty-two per cent of the participants experienced this as a result of being HCV positive. In addition, more than half of the sample (65 per cent) reported that such discrimination was actually as a result of being a drug user. Females were more likely than males to experience discrimination because of their HCV status.

Conclusion The level of discrimination and stigmatisation was widespread in health care settings, resulting from the stereotyping of IDUs. The barriers to IDUs accessing health services need to be identified and removed. Implementation of an awareness campaign among health professionals would be a feasible way to address this issue.