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The article presents a study which investigates the relationships between working conditions, job satisfaction and smoking behaviors among clerks and manual workers in the U.S. The researchers used data from the French Health Barometer which is a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted among a national random sample. It was concluded that poor working conditions have the potential to contribute health inequalities since they are likely to fuel stress and unhealthy behaviors which combine to increase in morbidity and mortality.

Background: Since 1998, French HIV prevention guidelines have recommended the use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after unprotected sex with a HIV-positive partner who should be informed about this option. This study analysed factors associated with PEP awareness in a population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs)., Methods: In 2003, a face-to-face survey was conducted among PLHAs selected from a random stratified sample of 102 French hospital departments delivering HIV care. Those who knew about PEP and those who did not were compared to identify factors related to PEP awareness in the sub-sample who reported that they had been sexually active in the prior 12 months., Results: Among the 2,280 sexually active PLHAs, the median age was 40 years. Women comprised 26% of the sample, 41% were homosexual men and 16% were immigrants. Thirty percent of individuals reported not being aware of the availability of PEP. After multiple adjustment, factors associated with lack of PEP awareness were a low educational level, unemployment, older age, and CD4 cell counts<200. In addition, homosexual men showed a higher level of PEP awareness compared with the other participants, especially when compared with immigrant heterosexual men and women. Individuals who reported having unprotected sex with a non-HIV-positive steady partner also independently showed lower levels of PEP awareness. Finally, reporting having casual partners was associated with better awareness., Conclusion: Awareness of PEP is insufficient among PLHAs, especially among immigrants. Programmes aimed at improving positive prevention among PLHAs are much needed and should be promoted.

Objective: Risky sexual behaviour remains frequent among people living with HIV. We analysed factors associated with unsafe sex within serodiscordant couples among heterosexual individuals living with HIV in France., Methods: In 2003, a face-to-face survey was conducted among individuals selected in a random stratified sample of 102 French hospital departments delivering HIV care. This analysis included adults heterosexual participants in a regular partnership for at least 12 months with a seronegative/unknown serostatus partner, HIV-diagnosed for at least 12 months. Unsafe sex was defined as reporting inconsistent condom use in the prior 12 months. Among men and women, participants who reported unsafe sex were compared with those who did not., Results: 663 heterosexual adults reported being in a serodiscordant regular partnership. Women accounted for 41% of participants and 26% of the sample were immigrants. Unsafe sex with the steady partner was reported by 26% of men and 34% of women (p=0.024). For men, factors independently associated with unsafe sex were being in a relationship for more than 10 years, being in a difficult financial situation and reporting regular consumption of alcohol to excess. Among women, having a history of drug use, not being aware of partner's serostatus, and reporting a difficult financial situation were independently associated with unsafe sex. In addition, immigrant women were associated with safer sex., Conclusions: A high number of serodiscordant couples continue to report risky sexual behaviour, and related factors are gender-specific. Couple-level interventions are essential in order to prevent HIV-transmission and to encourage negotiation within couples.