behaviour change communication on hiv/aids risk reduction in the workplace: a study of brookside dairy limited in ruiru, kiambu county

Abstract

The study sought to establish the dynamics of behavior change communication in Brookside Kenya Limited in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The problem statement was that there was need to inform employees in order to reduce stigma because the epidemic was a direct result of unprotected sex among the employees. Lack of information dissemination channels resulting to stigmatization and discrimination. Fear of intimidation upon disclosure of an employee HIV/AIDS status when they visit the VCT clinic located in the staff clinic. This was due to lack of peer educators support programme and training on BCC. This study was based on cognitive dissonance theory (Leon Festinger 1999). The researcher used mixed method research design; that is qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The target population was one thousand five hundred (1500) while the sample size was three hundred sixteen (316) employees were drawn across gender and age groups. The study was facilitated with the following objectives; to establish the employees knowledge about HIV/AIDS risk reduction and wellness; to assess the scope and process of behavior change communication in HIV/AIDS; to find out the effectiveness of information dissemination materials used in BCC campaigns and to establish recommendations or suggestions made to the management in order to enhance an efficient peer educators support supervisory committee. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to cover vital variables of the study by systematic random sampling to select the respondents within the departments. Data collection instruments used were in-depth interviews for qualitative data and was reported in verbatim quotes, narratives and selected comments. Semi-structured questionnaires with closed and open ended questions for quantitative data that was analyzed using descriptive statistics that included pie charts, frequency tables and graphs generated by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The discussions of results were equally related to the gaps identified in the literature review. Results from the two methods have been consolidated to produce an insightful report that answers the research questions hence achieving the pre-set objectives. The findings revealed that employees do not put in practice the information they know about the spread of HIV/AIDS. They prefer taking risks due to cognitive dissonance. The study established the effectiveness of behavior change communication campaign messages used in the reduction of HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The conclusions and recommendations have been derived from the areas discussed on successful implementation of targeted interventions including information dissemination by peer educators in the workplace. The research recommended a comprehensive workplace programme supported by top management and restructuring of HIV testing units due to stigma and discrimination. Relevant training to peer educators to equip them with the skills to disseminate the campaign messages in the workplace.