AIDS CONTROL AND THE WORKPLACE - THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL-HEALTH SERVICES IN SOUTH-AFRICA

AIDS interventions typically fail to address the disjuncture between p rivate behaviors and the social determinants of HIV infection. Data fr om a telephone survey of manufacturing companies and a postal survey o f occupational health nurses in the Western Cape, South Africa, were u sed to explore the possible role of occupational health services in pr evention and control of AIDS. The author found limited evidence of wor ker involvement in AIDS programs, particularly in companies with occup ational health professionals. The management of sexually transmitted d iseases was incomplete. Mandatory pre-employment testing of workers fo r HIV was not widespread. Respondents' opinions on priorities for AIDS prevention and control reflected a preoccupation with knowledge trans fer. To ensure their effectiveness, workplace AIDS programs must impro ve worker participation and integrate AIDS prevention in general workp lace health and safety programs. In addition, education programs must develop objectives within a critical theoretical understanding of the behavioral issues relevant to AIDS prevention, and must emphasize the empowerment of women in the workplace. In the context of the present r estructuring of health services in South Africa, occupational health s ervices, using the strategies outlined, can make a major contribution to national AIDS prevention and control.