Department of Psychology

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Browsing Department of Psychology by browse.metadata.advisor "Augustyn, J. C. D."

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    Knowledge,attitudes and practices on HIV/AIDS among peer educators in Limpopo Department of Agriculture
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Shipalana, Pearl Nkhensani; Augustyn, J. C. D.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS is a world wide pandemic and has caused threat in many organizations. Organizations are trying to put in place programmes to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS as it affects the productivity and profits due to increased absenteeism and turnover. The Joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS [UNAIDS] estimated that there are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS world wide, 25 million has died and 15 millions are orphans due to HIV/AIDS. The Department of Agriculture [Limpopo] has recruited Peer Educators to assist in providing education, awareness and prevention programmes on HIV/AIDS to employees and stakeholders. However, it is essential to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perception of this Peer Educators in order to develop intervention measures to improve the effectiveness of the programme. The Department of Public Service Administration guideline on managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace (2002) requires departments to conduct KAP (knowledge, attitudes and perception) in order to have baseline data for responsive, relevant intervention strategies in the workplace. “HIV/AIDS workplace programmes can only be successful if the employees needs regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices have been thoroughly researched” (Family Health International, 2000). The aim of the study was to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Peer Educators in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture. This will also assist to measure the impact of training provided to them. All Peer Educators were be given an opportunity to participate in the study. Self-administered questionnaire was be used to collect data and confidentiality was emphasized. Data was analysed using the SSP programme and Microsoft excel. The findings revealed an average knowledge of Peer Educators on HIV/AIDS, positive attitudes and safe sexual practice by using condoms. There is need for in service training for Peer Educators. The results also indicated the strong need of support from supervisors and management in the implementation of Peer Educators programme. The findings of the study will also assist the Limpopo Department of Agriculture to redesign the Peer Education Programme in order to minimize the risks and reduce the infection rate on HIV. Peer Educators are considered as key informants, it is significant to understand their level of knowledge, and what is their perception of risk to HIV/AIDS.