Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Transformative Education and Social Change

Committee Chairperson

John Elmore, PhD

Committee Member

Jason Wozniak, PhD

Committee Member

Dana Morrison, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this action research is to explore non-hierarchical peer led education as a means to end the Hepatitis C epidemic, promote empowerment and self-esteem in current injection drug users, and create a more global understanding of power structures that perpetuate opioid use so that those living with addiction are better able to educate, organize and fight for structural change. The current healthcare system is not able to test, treat or educate those most at risk for Hepatitis C infection or reinfection - people who inject drugs. The United States is currently in a losing battle with opioid addiction, with an ever-growing number of people dying from opioid overdose each year. Dovetailing on this trend is a rise in Hepatitis C infections. Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver and can lead to liver transplants and death if not treated in a timely fashion. Peer education has been used successfully around the world to promote other life-saving behaviors among those who inject drugs and many other populations. However, most peer education programs in harm reduction demand that people stop using drugs completely before they are able to work with peers. In addition, there are very few providers who actively teach patients how to safely inject IV drugs in order to prevent not just Hepatitis C, but also HIV, endocarditis, cellulitis and xylazine-related wounds. This thesis aims to promote action research on a peer educator program for people who actively inject drugs or are maintained on Medication Assisted Therapies such as methadone and suboxone to educate their peers. Educators will be taught to teach peers about a number of issues related to Hepatitis C and its treatment, with the hope that like other programs, this program will empower educators to take more control over other aspects of their health and self-care.

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