Use and Neglect of Best-Practice HIV/AIDS Programme Guides by South African Companies

ABSTRACT

Numerous guidelines set out best-practice policies for HIV/AIDS interventions in the workplace. This study analysed 14 recognised codes and guidelines to gain an understanding of the theoretical consensus regarding the key components of best-practice workplace HIV/AIDS interventions. Nine key components of best practice were drawn from the analysis; interviews aimed to verify these components by determining the extent to which HIV/AIDS practitioners in South Africa share a similar understanding of best practice. Participants in a research questionnaire and semi-structured interviews included managers responsible for company HIV/AIDS programmes; HIV/AIDS experts; consultants; and disease management service providers. There was a high level of agreement between the practitioners who were interviewed and the codes and guidelines that were analysed concerning what best practice entails. However; reported usage of the recognised codes and guidelines to inform workplace HIV/AIDS interventions was low. Although large companies in South Africa may recognise certain interventions as examples of best practice; it appears that these are not being readily implemented. This appears to be partly because the cost-benefit of a recommended intervention is not immediately apparent or conclusive; and also because the concept of best practice with respect to workplace HIV/AIDS interventions is not yet fully accepted