AIDS outreach workers: an exploratory study of job satisfactions/dissatisfactions.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

AIDS outreach workers: an exploratory study of job satisfactions/dissatisfactions.

AIDS Educ Prev. 1992 Winter;4(4):328-37. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/93112501
Deren S; Davis WR; Tortu S; Friedman S; Tross S; Sufian M; Pascal J; Stull C; Narcotic and Drug Research, Inc., New York, NY.

Abstract: AIDS outreach workers operate at the frontlines of the AIDS epidemic to provide information and education to high-risk individuals. Recent reports indicate that these workers have been effective in helping to reduce high-risk behaviors. However, a review of retention data for 62 outreach workers employed from 1986 to 1988 at a private nonprofit research institute indicated a high rate of turnover, especially among males. The literature provides little information regarding the demographic characteristics of outreach workers and their sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction. This exploratory investigation was undertaken to address these topics. Structured interviews were conducted with 20 currently active outreach workers. Results indicate that altruistic motives were most frequently cited as reasons why people became outreach workers and also provided the primary source of satisfaction. Stress was most frequently mentioned as a source of dissatisfaction and also as a reason previous workers had left outreach work. Conclusions focus on the outreach workers' suggestions for job improvements. These included: improvement in the terms of employment (e.g., salary, benefits); more education and training opportunities; and more support groups or help with recovery.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Adult Community Health Services/*MANPOWER Female Health Personnel/*PSYCHOLOGY Human Job Description *Job Satisfaction Male Motivation New York City Personnel Turnover Questionnaires Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. JOURNAL ARTICLE
930430
M9340778

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