Most
participants used HIV as a point of reference when discussing hepatitis C
infection. While there was still stigma surrounding HIV, it had become more
normalised in the gay community and was seen as a manageable illness. Men
tended to limit their sexual networks to other people living with HIV and this
facilitated disclosure.
Stigma surrounding hepatitis C
infection made participants want to remain free of hepatitis C.
This
was contrasted with the stigma experienced as a result of hepatitis C
infection: it was seen as taboo, associated with injecting drug use and
shameful. Participants described hepatitis
C as more stigmatising than HIV and this
extended to internalised stigma. Prevention messages also tended to focus on
HIV at the expense of other infections, leading to less awareness of hepatitis C.
“I knew that [hepatitis] C existed and was one
that injecting drug users tended to have, but I thought that was more associated
with heroin users who were desperate and sharing needles.” (Angelo, 48)
“It was bad enough when I found out I was HIV
positive but when I found out that I had hep C… I felt disgusted, like I was a
disease, and judged, and felt dirty and gross… and where did I catch it from?” (Jeremy, 31)
As
a result of community stigma around injecting drug use, men differentiated
types of drug use (injecting vs non-injecting, stimulants vs opiates) and the
associated risks. Risk perceptions of contracting hepatitis C centred around
those who shared needles when injecting drugs. However, most men indicated that
they were most likely infected through sex.
“I was very confused [when diagnosed with hepatitis
C].
The closest running theory I’ve got is that it was somehow transmitted
sexually. Because I didn’t start injecting until I was already diagnosed.” (Liam, 26)