Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions on HIV/AIDS and workplace interventions among employees at Inkwanca local municipality

Abstract

HIV and AIDS pose challenges to service delivery in South Africa. Business, industry and government have responded by introducing workplace education programmes and interventions. Literature shows that some of HIV and AIDS workplace programmes failed due to lack of information of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of employees towards HIV and AIDS. The study established knowledge and perceptions of Inkwanca Local Municipality employees about HIV and AIDS and implemented workplace programmes. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 84 participants. Most participants had knowledge about HIV and AIDS but gaps were found among some of the participants. Negative attitudes towards condoms, stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV were found. However, there were positive perceptions towards HIV/AIDS workplace programmes. Negative perceptions towards the implemented HIV and AIDS workplace programmes were found among participants who scored low on knowledge about HIV and AIDS. The study concluded that knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about HIV and AIDS impacts on participation of employees in HIV and AIDS workplace programmes.