How important are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) clinical
markers to the long-term formal employment among people living with HIV in
developing countries? A study in South Africa
Affiliations: Department of Sociology, King's College, University of
Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK | Aurum Institute for Health Research, Aurum House, The
Ridge, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
Note: [] Corresponding author: Willis O. Odek, P.O. Box 1086, City
Square 00200, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel.: +254 770 401302; E-mail:
[email protected]; [email protected]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) clinical markers and socio-demographic characteristics with
long-term formal employment among people living with HIV (PLHIV). PARTICIPANTS: 554 adults, 55% females, on HIV treatment for at least two
years at two public hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS: A retrospective cohort design, tracing changes in study participants' formal
employment status since the first HIV-positive diagnosis. Data collection
included historical medical records review and interviewer-administered
questionnaires. RESULTS: 44% of all study participants (39% and
49% among males and females, respectively) were formally employed at the
time of the study, primarily in low-skilled jobs in the private sector. The
majority (83%) of males and 60% of females remained in formal employment
since being diagnosed as HIV-positive. Female gender, education to grade 12 or
higher, a smaller household size and being married were significantly
associated with current formal employment. Formal employment was unrelated to
HIV treatment indicators (CD4 count, viral load and duration since diagnosis).
Of those in formal employment, 68 (28%) were aware of HIV policies at their
workplaces, which was also positively associated with the duration in their
current employment. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: PLHIV in developing
country contexts can enter into and maintain formal employment, especially when
treatment and workplace support are available. Thus, employer organisations
should implement effective workplace HIV policies to enhance employment
experiences of their workforce living with HIV. Care and support services for
people on HIV treatment should also address their career development needs.
Keywords: Workplace HIV policies, employment continuation, chronic illness, stigma, South Africa
