Investigation into the quality of life of an employee affected by HIV/AIDS
Date
2008-03
Authors
Vollenhoven, Salome Minky
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges in the world today is fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Life expectancy in developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa,
decreased to 46 years while in developed countries the average life expectancy is 78
years. World Health Organisation(WHO) indicates that HIV/AIDS, now the world's
leading cause of death in adults aged 15 to 59 years, is killing almost 5 000 men and
women in this age group, and almost 1 000 of their children, every 24 hours in sub-
Saharan Africa.
In South Africa today, employees operate in an increasingly complex legal environment
with regard to HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
Despite the legal protection against employees affected by HI/AIDS and vigorous
campaigns to combat HIV/AIDS in support of affected employees, the researcher has
observed that management and co-workers show no compassion, empathy or
understanding for the needs of these affected employees.
An in-depth literature review of quality of life was completed. The goal of this study was
to investigate whether the quality of life of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS is
adversely affected. The following objectives were set:
• To determine the family history of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS
• To determine occupational history of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS
• To determine the symptoms of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS
• To determine the effectiveness of the anti-retroviral treatment programme of the
employee affected by HIV/AIDS
A descriptive qualitative research design using the case study method was applied to
investigate whether the quality of life of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS was
adversely affected.
The population of this study were HIV/AIDS-affected employees working at a food and
beverage company. Ten employees who gave consent participated in the study. The
trustworthiness of this study was assured with the use of Lincoln and Guba’s criteria of
credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. A pre-test study was also completed. All ethical principles were met. Data was collected through an interview
using an interview guide designed for use in a semi-structured interview. Data analysed
show that the basic needs of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS are not adequately met
and that the employee therefore does not experience quality of life.
Recommendations include the improvement in public–private partnerships; in-service
training and continuous refresher courses for all employees, supervisors and
management; employee assistance programmes; involvement of church and
communities; support circle; holistic approach in nursing care and further research.
The findings play a role in understanding the importance of remaining at work for as long
as possible when one is affected by HIV/AIDS. The findings of this study further validate
the concepts in basic needs and that QOL is perceived differently by each individual.
Description
Thesis (MCur (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Quality of life, AIDS (Disease)-- Patients -- Employment, HIV-positive persons -- Employment, Dissertations -- Nursing, Theses -- Nursing