An evaluation and a cost-benefit analysis of the HIV/AIDS peer education programme of the South African Police Service

Abstract

HIV and AIDS is the most prevalent and destructive pandemic to occur in South Africa's recorded history. Due to the increase of infection and deaths rates within the South African Police Services, the Peer Education programme was developed as a prevention strategy to deal with the scourge of HIV and AIDS. The programme came into being as a result of the strategic alliance between the South African Police Services and the South African Civil Military Alliance on HIV and AIDS, which led to the South African Defence Force HIV and AIDS programme being aligned to meet SAPS challenges. An external consultant was appointed to oversee the alignment which resulted in the Peer Education programme being identified as a strategy to fight the scourge of HIV and AIDS in the South African Police Services. This programme is an integral part of the Police Social Work Services personnel capacity building programmes. A comprehensive study into the programme's effect and return on investment (ROI) was undertaken in 2001. This thesis will report on the effect of the HIV and AIDS Peer education programme as well as its return on investment coefficient. Objectives The primary aim of the study was to determine the effect of the HIV and AIDS Peer Education programme on the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of SAPS employees, as well as the programme's return on investment coefficient. Method The study used an experimental research design and triangulation. It involved an average of 294 SAPS employees (228 for the experimental groups and 66 for the comparison groups) with 32 social workers presenting the programme. The programme was also subjected to a structured and comprehensive return on investment analysis. Results Through the triangulation of measurements it was ascertained that the HIV and AIDS Peer education programme had a practical significant effect on the employees' knowledge, attitude and behaviour and improved their personal and professional well-being. The Return on Investment analysis conducted indicated that the programme was of financial benefit to the South African Police Services in comparison with the input by the organisation and the output realised as a result of the activities of the Peer Educators.