Assessment of HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programme interventions in commercial farms in Iringa region.

Abstract

Background: For about three decades, many companies have been responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis through establishment and implementation of HIV workplace policies and programme interventions. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these policies and programme interventions.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of workplace HIV/AIDS policy and programmes interventions in commercial plantations in Iringa region

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in five commercial plantations. Interviews were conducted with one representative of management from each company and self-administered questionnaires were administered to 273 employees from the commercial plantations. Data obtained was Analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist version 17 (SPSS).

Results: Results showed a high level of knowledge and awareness of organizations HIV/AIDS policies, programme interventions and services among employees. More than three quarters (87.2%) of respondents were aware about the existence of company policy and 77.7% knew its content. Utilisation of the organisational offered programmes and services were very high. A majority 91.2% of respondents reported that condoms made available were utilized by employees. More than half (74.4%) of respondents utilised VCT services at workplace and majority (82.8%) preferring onsite VCT clinic. The study revealed that 76.2% and 76.6% of respondents are satisfied with the HIV prevention and care and treatment services respectively.

Conclusion: Workplace HIV/AIDS interventions have contributed significantly to the employees’ willingness to utilise condoms, VCT and treatment services. HIV/AIDS workplace programme interventions are effective and should be scaled-up to contribute to national efforts of reversing the epidemic