“Most they don't practise what they preach”: exploring personal vulnerability and risk perceptions amongst AIDS caregivers in Ekurhuleni, South Africa

Abstract

Dworzanowski (2002) and Smit (2004) came upon two distinct sets of AIDS caregivers who felt that they had a greater chance of contracting HIV in their private capacities, as opposed to in the course of their care work. This propelled the researchers to survey a cohort of peri-urban care workers from Ekurhuleni (n= 195) to see whether similar findings come to the fore. Survey data was used in the furtherance of two ends. Firstly, it was important to confirm whether these workers Similarly felt at greater personal risk. Secondly. and more importantly. it was necessary to uncover explanations for this perceived risk. Data analysis suggests the separation of vulnerability and risk perceptions usefully indicates caregiver reasons for not being able to practise the risk reduction behaviours that they preach, especially when this understanding is mediated by gender power analysis and the ways in which caregivers define sexuality.