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HIV/AIDS in the South African construction industry: an empirical study

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Bowen
  • Rob Dorrington
  • Greg Distiller
  • Harry Lake
  • Sarika Besesar

Abstract

South Africa has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, with 11% of South Africans currently estimated to be HIV positive. The construction industry has one of the highest prevalence rates of any economic sector. To indicate the nature and extent of HIV/AIDS in the SA construction industry and to establish the degree of association between certain risk factors and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, the results of HIV tests on 10 243 construction employees drawn from 55 companies nationwide are reported. In addition to the HIV test, a test for tuberculosis (TB) was conducted but proved inconclusive. Permanently employed, semi-skilled operators and drivers, as well as skilled employees, have the highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS; even greater than casual labourers. The group displaying the next highest prevalence is temporarily employed general labourers. With regard to age, middle-aged employees were shown to be the most at risk. Geographically, KwaZulu-Natal exhibits the highest HIV prevalence rate, with the Western Cape the lowest. It is recommended that a compulsory, industry-wide initiative be adopted, funded via levies, involving education, testing and treatment programmes supported via formal certification as part of the completion of work certification process.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Bowen & Rob Dorrington & Greg Distiller & Harry Lake & Sarika Besesar, 2008. "HIV/AIDS in the South African construction industry: an empirical study," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(8), pages 827-839.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:conmgt:v:26:y:2008:i:8:p:827-839
    DOI: 10.1080/01446190802061225
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Theo Haupt & Meenakshi Munshi & John Smallwood, 2005. "HIV and AIDS in South African construction: is age nothing but a number?," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 107-119.
    2. Ingrid Meintjes & Paul Bowen & David Root, 2007. "HIV/AIDS in the South African construction industry: understanding the HIV/AIDS discourse for a sector-specific response," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(3), pages 255-266.
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