Knowledge of Rossing Uranium mine employees on HIV and AIDS transmission, prevention and treatment

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the beginning HIV/AIDS was only seen as a health issue because of the impact it has on a person's health, as well as on the health sector, but the world of work is affected in numerous ways, such that in affected organisations, valuable skills and experience are lost, increased absenteeism, increase turnover and productivity has declined and this has resulted in National economics being weakened (International Finance Cooperation, 2004). Many organisations are becoming aware of the threat of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and as a result continue to commit resources towards managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace through HIV/AIDS programmes. However, the question remains whether such efforts are effective. Knowledge about HIV and AIDS is centred on information dissemination about the modes of transmission, means of prevention and behaviours that enhance susceptibility (Pirie & Coetzee, 2006). Therefore, knowledge is the first step in behavioural change and with accurate knowledge individuals are assisted to make informed choices.A quantitative research using a cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used to establish Rössing Uranium Mine employees' knowledge with regard to HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission and treatment. The objective of the study were to assess the employees' knowledge on HIV transmission, identify practices employees use as measures to prevent HIV/AIDS, determine the level of knowledge of employees on HIV/AIDS treatment and to recommend strategies aimed at increasing Rössing Uranium Mine employees' knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention and treatment on the current HIV/AIDS management program at Rössing Uranium Mine. A stratified sample consisting of 190 out of 1150 employees across the mine workforce served as respondents. A self administered questionnaire which primarily consisted of closed ended questions was used to answer the research question. Ethical approval was sought and obtained from the Ethical Committee of Stellenbosch University. Permission was requested and granted by the Health, Safety and Environment Manager of Rössing Uranium Mine to conduct the study. Study participants who agreed to take part in the study were also given a consent form to sign.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University