Abstract:
The Cognitive theory was utilised in an attempt to understand the HIV and AIDS practice needs of peer educators in the Department of Social Development in the Free State province. The absence of guidelines affects the utilisation of peer educators and thus leads to the under-utilisation of programmes. The practice needs were therefore identified and recommendations were submitted with a view to address existing gaps
Applied research was utilised as findings were used to make suggestions on the development of practice guidelines for programmes used by peer educators. As the researcher was interested in the rich data from peer educators‟ explanations about their HIV and AIDS practice needs, the most suitable research design for the study was the qualitative design with a collective case study.
Purposive sampling was selected as the most appropriate sampling method within non-probability sampling, as the researcher‟s own knowledge and judgment of the population, its elements and the nature and purpose of the study, guided him. Within purposive sampling the researcher implemented volunteer sampling by issuing invitations to targeted participants who met specific criteria.
Data collection was conducted through the implementation of two focus groups sessions consisting of 11 participants and eight participants respectively in each group for the duration of 90 minutes. Data collected was analysed using Creswell‟s analytical spiral.
The planned research was expected to address issues of gaps and practice needs, as well as guidelines necessary for the implementation of the HIV and AIDS workplace prevention programme.
