Date of Award
12-2025
Language
English
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Anthropology
Advisor/Committee Chair
Tomoko Udo
Abstract
The spread of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) via non-injectable equipment is plausible, making people who smoke drugs (PWSD) at-risk for possible infection and transmission. While much research has been conducted into injection drug use (IDU), likely due to the rising opioid epidemic, limited studies focus on the risks PWSD face. Currently, state-funded syringe service programs (SSPs) provide harm reduction education and materials to combat these risks. Safer smoking initiatives have been created and are widely used by PWSD, and have access to SSPs. To gain better insight into the HCV and non-HCV-related risks and burdens PWSD face, a qualitative study was conducted. 15–30-minute interviews were conducted once participant consent was obtained. Questions regarding substance use history, risk of HCV with smoking supplies, and the utilization of safer smoking initiatives were asked. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify themes and patterns. Few PWSD were found to have significant knowledge of the potential HCV risks they face. However, risk knowledge of sharing and/or using broken/worn-down smoking supplies was expressed by the majority of participants. The reasons why PWSD changed their drug modalities or first started using varied between participants. However, several sub-themes were identified, such as environmental contributors, cost, and accessibility to SSPs. Risk knowledge and resource accessibility were found to potentially influence drug use practices, subsequently affecting risk and well-being. Recommendations to further expand harm reduction education, SSP accessibility and funding, client incentives, and policy changes were made.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Gustin, Maxwell, "Understanding Hepatitis C Risk and Harm Reduction Needs Among People Who Smoke Drugs: A Client-Centered Qualitative Inquiry" (2025). Anthropology. 44.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_anthro/44