We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Knowledge and awareness of HIV and AIDS amongst service- and support staff at a tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Authors
BEZUIDENHOUT, SELENTE; MEYER, JOHANNA C.
- Abstract
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic has a major impact within institutions, as HIV infection in the working class (aged 15-49) represents almost 20% of the working population. Hence, the workplace is the perfect entry point to HIV and AIDS prevention and care. The objective of this study was to assess HIV and AIDS knowledge and awareness of service- and support staff at a tertiary institution. Quantitative, self-administered questionnaires were completed anonymously by a conveniently selected sample of 232 non-academic staff members during 2011 and 2012. The sample included 100 service staff members and 132 support staff members. Data were analysed descriptively. The majority of respondents were from the Black African racial category (85.8%), females were predominant (68.5%) and 72% were ≤50 years of age. Responses indicated that 19% of service staff (n=100) and 15% of support staff (n=132) agreed that HIV status can be inferred from a partner's HIV status; 36% of service staff believed HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bites; 40% of the service staff refused sexual intercourse without a condom in the past; 68% of service staff believed a healthy person cannot be infected with HIV. Although general awareness of HIV and AIDS was fairly good, results indicated a need for targeted educational programmes on pertinent aspects of HIV and AIDS. Service- and support staff at the university would benefit from annual HIV and AIDS awareness and educational programmes, with compulsory attendance.
- Subjects
SOUTH Africa; HIV infections; AIDS; PANDEMICS; SOCIOLOGY of awareness; NON-school educational programs; QUESTIONNAIRES
- Publication
African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation & Dance, 2014, p171
- ISSN
1117-4315
- Publication type
Article