HIV knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviour among tourism workers in Gauteng province, South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine tourism workers' knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviour related to HIV and AIDS. A survey was administered to tourism workers (n=338) from all the hotels and resorts randomly sampled in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Results indicate a medium level of HIV transmission knowledge and high HIV risk behaviour (lack of condom use, casual and multiple sexual partners). Half of the study participants (49.7%) had made sexual advances or moves to tourists or guests while tourists/guests had also made sexual advances/moves to 55% of the participants. A very large proportion of the participants (82.2 percent) either strongly agreed or agreed that HIV education programmes would help them to get educated about HIV/AIDS. The study confirms high HIV risk behaviour in the tourism sector, willingness to get educated and consequently comprehensive HIV prevention programmes are recommended for tourism workers.