Health care-seeking experiences for people who inject drugs with hepatitis C: Qualitative explorations of stigma

Original research
by
Austin, Elizabeth J. et al

Release Date

2021

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

For PWID, intersectional experiences of stigma and other social vulnerabilities may influence their experiences navigating medical care. We conducted a targeted subanalysis of qualitative interview data collected to inform development of a community-pharmacist care model for hepatitis C (HCV) among PWID to explore intersectional influences on health care–seeking experiences.

Findings/Key points

Stigma and social vulnerabilities play a pervasive and intersecting role in the health care–seeking experiences of PWID and negatively impact their ability to navigate and receive care they need. Evidence-based stigma reduction interventions at multiple levels, coupled with person-centered approaches to care delivery, may help to mitigate negative impacts.

Design/methods

Semi-structured interviews, n=40

Keywords

About pharmacists
About PWUD
Barriers and enablers
Poverty
Illegal drugs
Stigma