Bar Workers Research Articles

Treatment-seeking behavior for sexually transmitted infections in a high-risk population

The World Health Organization estimates that 340 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur every year, while 33 million individuals are estimated to be living with HIV. The AIDS and STI epidemics are not independent with untreated STIs increasing HIV acquisition and transmission. Female sex workers have increased prevalence of untreated STIs and have been hypothesized to affect the health and HIV incidence of the general population. This paper aims to investigate why some female sex workers who experience symptoms of vaginal discharge or genital ulcers seek treatment while others do not. Data were collected from a cohort study conducted between 2002 and 2005 among female bar and hotel workers in Moshi, Tanzania. Study subjects were recruited from 7 out of 15 administrative wards in Moshi as part of the Moshi's Women's Health Project. Data were restricted to women self-reporting symptoms of vaginal discharge or genital ulcers (n=459) within the past year. Logistic regression was performed with SAS 9.1. Qualitative analysis was performed using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among a convenience sample (n=42) of women already enrolled in the study. All interviews and focus group discussions were tape-recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed thematically. Sixty-four percent of the sample sought treatment for either ailment. Multivariate analysis identified relationship to man of last sexual intercourse, ever experiencing a pregnancy, and age as significant predictors to seeking treatment. Four salient themes of threats to fertility, stigma correlated with prostitution, discomfort with the physical exam, and perceived views of clients were revealed as predictors to why women seek or intentionally ignore symptoms. Understanding the motivations and barriers for seeking treatment of STIs has far ranging public health implications that could help curtail the unnecessary associated morbidity and mortality and curtail the transmission of HIV.

Viral and Host Factors Associated With the HIV-1 Viral Load Setpoint in Adults From Mbeya Region, Tanzania

The viral load setpoint (VLS) is an important predictor of HIV disease progression, but there is a lack of information regarding the VLS and its possible determinants in African populations. Initially HIV-negative adults from 3 distinct groups(female bar workers, females, and males from the general population)were followed for up to 4 years. The VLS was calculated for 108 seroconverters and associations of the VLS with possible risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression. The median VLS for female bar workers, females, and males from the general population were 69,850, 28,600, and 158,000 RNA copies per milliliter, respectively. Significant associations with an elevated viral load were observed for male gender [risk ratio(RR) = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.14 to 2.93], the expression of harmful HLA I alleles (RR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.13 to 2.66) and multiple infection with different HIV-1 subtypes (RR =1.65, 95% CI = 1.03 to 2.66). Bar workers were considerably more often infected with different HIV-1 subtypes than participants from the general population. Our study confirms that gender and the expression of different HLA class I alleles are important determinants of the viremia at VLS, and it also corroborates an earlier finding that multiple infection with different HIV-1 subtypes is associated with a higher VLS.

Educational and Structural Interventions and Their Impact on Condom Use and STI/HIV Prevention for Filipina Women and Male Customers

Nearly 30 million people have died of AIDS during the past 27 years. More than 90% of people with HIV live in the developing world. The virus does not discriminate by age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status-anyone is susceptible. HIV/AIDS has been particularly devastating on women and girls who now comprise more than 50% of people aged 15 years and older living with HIV. Successful strategies with significant impact on new HIV infections include strong governmental support, voluntary counseling and treatment, harm-reduction, community outreach, and universal access to treatment. This study presents the results of educational and social structural/environmental behavioral interventions among young women and their male partners. A 10-year study among high-risk populations (female bar workers and their male customers) in the Philippines identifies major components of a model HIV prevention program.

Bar and restaurant workers' attitudes towards Norway's comprehensive smoking ban: a growth curve analysis

BackgroundNorway passed legislation banning smoking in restaurants, bars and other public spaces in 2004. This study tracks changes in hospitality workers' attitudes towards Norway's ban over three time points, using...

The impact of a 100% smoke-free law on the health of hospitality workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 100% smoke-free environment legislation on respiratory and sensory irritation symptoms and respiratory function among bar and restaurant workers from...

Reducing Alcohol Use, Sex Risk Behaviors, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Filipina Female Bar Workers: Effects of an Ecological Intervention

This article presents the outcomes of a quasi-experimental community-based research intervention initiative targeting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing and condom use among Filipina female bar workers (FBWs). Established at the peer, organizational, and policy levels, bar managers and peer educators from 110 different establishments, in 4 southern Philippines regions, were trained. Only FBWs in the combination peer educator and manager training intervention condition significantly increased STI testing from baseline to follow-up. STI testing was significantly associated with higher HIV/AIDS knowledge, lower probability of contracting HIV, and increased condom use. Based on the findings, future research on the adaptability of this intervention to FBWs residing in HIV epicenters is warranted.

UK Smoke-Free Legislation: Changes in PM<sub>2.5</sub> Concentrations in Bars in Scotland, England, and Wales

Evaluate the effect of smoke-free legislation on fine particulate [particulate matter <2.5 microm in diameter (PM(2.5))] air pollution levels in bars in Scotland, England, and Wales. Air quality was measured in 106 randomly selected bars in Scotland, England, and Wales before and after the introduction of smoking restrictions. PM(2.5) concentrations were measured covertly for 30-min periods before smoke-free legislation was introduced, again at 1-2 months post-ban (except Wales) and then at 12-months post-baseline (except Scotland). In Scotland and England, overt measurements were carried out to assess bar workers' full-shift personal exposures to PM(2.5). Postcode data were used to determine socio-economic status of the bar location. PM(2.5) levels prior to smoke-free legislation were highest in Scotland (median 197 microg m(-3)), followed by Wales (median 184 microg m(-3)) and England (median 92 microg m(-3)). All three countries experienced a substantial reduction in PM(2.5) concentrations following the introduction of the legislation with the median reduction ranging from 84 to 93%. Personal exposure reductions were also within this range. There was evidence that bars located in more deprived postcodes had higher PM(2.5) levels prior to the legislation. Prior to legislation PM(2.5) concentrations within bars across the UK were much higher than the 65 microg m(-3) 'unhealthy' threshold for outdoor air quality as set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Concentrations in Scottish and Welsh bars were, on average, two or more times greater than in English bars for which seasonal influences may be responsible. Legislation in all three countries produced improvements in indoor air quality that are consistent with other international studies.

Responding to change: how did bar workers adapt to the smoke-free legislation in Scotland?

In recent years a number of countries have implemented comprehensive smoking bans to protect workers from adverse effects of exposure to second-hand smoke. It is also well known that many key stakeholders working in hospitality settings are themselves smokers. This paper reports the findings of a longitudinal qualitative study conducted with bar workers following the implementation of smoke-free legislation in Scotland. It examines the effects of smoking prevalence and status on support for smoke-free legislation, and its impact on business and working practices as well as bar workers' smoking behaviour both in and outside of the workplace. The results highlight a need for targeted assistance for businesses serving disadvantaged communities both to adapt commercially to the legislation and to provide cessation support to workers who smoke.

Do indoor smoke-free laws provide bar workers with adequate protection from secondhand smoke?

Objective To determine if bar workers are adequately protected from secondhand smoke by an Act that prohibits indoor smoking in public workplaces, including bars and restaurants, but allows smoking on unenclosed contiguous patios. Methods A purposive sample of 25 bars with outdoor patios in Toronto, Canada was drawn. Air carcinogenic particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAH) were measured on patios and inside bars in August–September, 2006, 2–3 months after implementation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Taking into account repeated measures, mixed model analysis was applied to examine the level of fine particle PPAH (ng/m 3) by number of lit cigarettes per patio area. Results Smoking on patios was common. With increasing numbers (0, 1.0–4.3, 4.4–8.7, 8.8–16.7 and 16.8–41.7) of lit cigarettes per 1000 ft 2 of patio area, there were increases in geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) PPAH levels, 4.7 (2.4), 9.1 (3.7), 16.9 (2.9), 19.1 (3.0) and 27.0 (2.9) ng/m 3 on patios. Mixed model analysis showed that PPAH levels increased significantly with number of lit cigarettes per patio area ( p = 0.0004). High levels of PPAH on patios may be associated with sustained vascular injury. Conclusions Complete smoking bans including outdoor workspaces are needed to adequately protect hospitality workers from secondhand smoke.

Greater gains from smoke-free legislation for non-smoking bar staff in Belfast

In April 2007, smoke-free legislation was enacted in workplaces throughout N. Ireland. The effects of this legislation on bar workers' health and their exposure to second-hand smoke at home, work and social environment, and their attitudes to the legislation before and after its implementation remain to be documented. A self-completed questionnaire of bar staff in 35 Belfast bars, before (March 2007, n = 110) and after the legislation (July 2007, n = 110). Smokers (excluding 'social smokers') made up 41.6% of respondents. After the introduction of the smoke-free legislation, the reductions in the proportion of bar workers reporting various respiratory symptoms ranged from 1.3% to 18.6% for smokers and from 21.9% to 33.2% for non-smokers. Likewise, the reductions for various sensory symptoms ranged from 7.3% to 17.7% for smokers and from 29.6% to 46.8% for non-smokers. Reduction in wheeze, cough and throat symptoms after the legislation were much greater for non-smokers than smokers. The proportion of bar staff who reported satisfaction with the legislation remained unchanged across the surveys. Decreases in perceived exposure to second-hand smoke occurred at work, home and in social settings. After the legislation's enactment, a majority of bar workers felt the workplace was healthier (98%). These first findings show reduced reported symptoms among bar workers, both smokers and non-smokers, after the introduction of smoke-free legislation in N. Ireland, though greater among non-smokers. There was also a reported fall in the hours of second-hand smoke exposure in the home for this group of workers which has a high prevalence of smokers.

Impact of an Indoor Smoking Ban on Bar Workers’ Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

To evaluate the impact of an indoor smoke-free bylaw in Toronto, Ontario, implemented June 2004. We used a pre-post comparison design to assess secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among 79 eligible bar workers in Toronto, Ontario (bylaw enacted), and 49 eligible bar workers in a control community, Windsor, Ontario (no bylaw change), at four times: preban, and 1, 2, and 9 months postban. SHS exposure time and urinary cotinine level were substantially reduced in Toronto bar workers immediately after the ban by 94% (from 7.8 to 0.5 hours) and 68% (from 24.2 to 7.8 ng/mL), respectively. The reduction was sustained throughout follow-up. There was no change among Windsor bar workers before and after the ban. Compliance with the ban was high, and the ban led to a substantial reduction in SHS exposure.

Cabbages and condoms

Case-cross over studies are used to assess brief exposures (e.g. high-ambient temperature) that may cause a temporary increase in risk of diseases (e.g. death), and have the advantage of controlling for confounding by factors that differ between individuals such as age and co-morbidities. A novel application is reported in this issue in an evaluation of factors determining condom use in female bar and hotel workers in Tanzania. Unsurprisingly condoms were more often used with casual rather than regular sex partners, for hotel sex and when gifts were received— all indicative of a high-risk situation. Condoms were less often used with men 410 years older than the woman; partner alcohol use and knowledge of HIV status were not associated with condom use. The authors focus on the decision-making process—those women reporting that they decided or that it was a mutual decision were 10 times more likely to use condoms—and comment that it is much easier for a woman to negotiate with a stranger than with her regular partner. Interventions attempting to increase use of condoms in long-term relationships, supposedly based on mutual trust, are unlikely to provide a satisfactory solution. So, the authors consider interventions to reduce the number of concurrent partners and promote use of female condoms may be more useful. Chlamydia infection is one of the commonest sexually transmitted diseases contributing substantially to the 340 million new cases of bacterial or protozoan sexually transmitted infections. World Health Organization, in common with the British health service and the US Preventive Services Task Force, believe that Chlamydia screening is a good thing. So, why do Nicola Low and colleagues conclude ‘there is an absence of evidence supporting opportunistic Chlamydia screening in the general population younger than 25 years?’ The previous reviews of the evidence suggested fair to good evidence to support screening. The main issue appears to be the organizational system in which screening is conducted—if you use a population register to invite women for screening rather than chance encounters with women attending health services for various reasons (‘opportunistic’ screening), some low quality evidence of benefit can be found. These authors were not randomized controlled trial (RCT) obsessed in their definition of evidence—they note that Chlamydia rates were falling in Sweden before the opportunistic screening service became operational. Low and colleagues suggest that clinical equipoise on the balance of benefits and harms of screening remains—but the alacrity with which World Health Organization and other influential groups and health services have adopted Chlamydia screening suggests that there is no equipoise. Indeed, the language of our commentators from CDC Atlanta on the review is interesting: ‘. . . it is risky to draw conclusions [given the small number of studies reviewed] about which approach to screening works best’. Presumably, it is not possible to countenance a view that screening maybe just does not E-mail:shah.ebrahim@lshtm.ac.uk Figure 1 A novel use for condoms Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association

The effect of the Irish smoke-free workplace legislation on smoking among bar workers

On 29 March 2004, the Republic of Ireland (ROI) became the first EU country to introduce a nationwide ban on workplace smoking. While the focus of this measure was to protect worker health by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, other effects such as a greater reduction in smoking prevalence and consumption were likely among bar workers. A random sample of bar workers from Cork city were surveyed before (n = 129) and after (n = 107; 82.9% follow-up rate) implementation of the smoke-free legislation. Self report and combined self report and cotinine concentration were used to determine smoking status. For comparison a cross-sectional random telephone survey of the general population (ROI) was conducted before and 1 year after the smoke-free legislation. There were 1240 pre- and 1221 participants post-ban in the equivalent age and occupational subset of the general population. There was a non-significant decline in smoking prevalence among bar workers 1 year post-ban (self report: -2.8% from 51.4% to 48.6%, P = 0.51; combined self report and cotinine: -4.7% from 56.1% to 51.4%, P = 0.13), but a significant decline in consumption of four cigarettes (95% CI 2.21-6.36) per day. Within the occupationally equivalent general population sub-sample there was a significant drop (3.5%, P = 0.06) in smoking prevalence but no significant change in consumption. Ireland's smoke-free workplace legislation was accompanied by a drop in smoking prevalence in both bar workers and the general population sub-sample.

Bar workers’ health and environmental tobacco smoke exposure (BHETSE): symptomatic improvement in bar staff following smoke-free legislation in Scotland

Objective:To examine changes in the health of bar workers after smoke-free legislation was introduced.Design:Longitudinal study following bar workers from before legislation introduction, at 2 months after introduction and at 1...

Impact of the Spanish Smoking Law on Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke and Respiratory Health in Hospitality Workers: A Cohort Study

BackgroundA smoke-free law came into effect in Spain on 1st January 2006, affecting all enclosed workplaces except hospitality venues, whose proprietors can choose among totally a smoke-free policy, a partial restriction with designated smoking areas, or no restriction on smoking on the premises. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the law among hospitality workers by assessing second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and the frequency of respiratory symptoms before and one year after the ban.Methods and FindingWe formed a baseline cohort of 431 hospitality workers in Spain and 45 workers in Portugal and Andorra. Of them, 318 (66.8%) were successfully followed up 12 months after the ban, and 137 nonsmokers were included in this analysis. We obtained self-reported exposure to SHS and the presence of respiratory symptoms, and collected saliva samples for cotinine measurement. Salivary cotinine decreased by 55.6% after the ban among nonsmoker workers in venues where smoking was totally prohibited (from median of 1.6 ng/ml before to 0.5 ng/ml, p<0.01). Cotinine concentration decreased by 27.6% (p = 0.068) among workers in venues with designated smoking areas, and by 10.7% (p = 0.475) among workers in venues where smoking was allowed. In Portugal and Andorra, no differences between cotinine concentration were found before (1.2 ng/ml) and after the ban (1.2 ng/ml). In Spain, reported respiratory symptom declined significantly (by 71.9%; p<0.05) among workers in venues that became smoke-free. After adjustment for potential confounders, salivary cotinine and respiratory symptoms decreased significantly among workers in Spanish hospitality venues where smoking was totally banned.ConclusionsAmong nonsmoker hospitality workers in bars and restaurants where smoking was allowed, exposure to SHS after the ban remained similar to pre-law levels. The partial restrictions on smoking in Spanish hospitality venues do not sufficiently protect hospitality workers against SHS or its consequences for respiratory health.

A case-crossover analysis of predictors of condom use by female bar and hotel workers in Moshi, Tanzania

Factors related to specific sexual encounters can influence condom use during these encounters. These situation-specific factors have not been adequately studied in resource-poor countries where HIV infection has in some areas reached epidemic levels. This study was undertaken to identify situation-specific factors associated with condom use among 465 female bar and hotel workers in Moshi, Tanzania. We conducted a case-crossover study in which women provided information about their most recent unprotected and protected sexual encounters. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate paired odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between situation-specific factors and condom use. A subject-based or mutual decision about condom use (compared with partner based), casual partner type, a first-time sexual encounter and receiving gifts in exchange for sex were independently associated with increased odds of condom use, while sex at home and sex with a partner more than 10 years older was associated with reduced odds of use. There was also effect modification between partner type and decision-making: subject-based or mutual decisions were more protective with casual than regular partners; also, when the partner made the decisions about condom use, the type of partner had no effect. Decision-making about condom use is a potentially modifiable predictor of unprotected sex, but its effect varies by partner type. Behavioural interventions are needed that encourage discussion about condom use and increase women's self-efficacy, but other types of interventions as well as female-controlled HIV prevention methods are needed for women in regular partnerships.

Presence of HIV-1 CRF35_AD in Iran

AIDS Research and Human RetrovirusesVol. 25, No. 1 Letters to the EditorPresence of HIV-1 CRF35_AD in IranZahra Soheila Soheilli, Zahra Ataiee, Semiramis Tootian, Maryam Zadsar, Sediegeh Amini, Kafi Abadi, Valerie Jauvin, Patricia Pinson, Herve J. Fleury, and Shahram SamieiZahra Soheila SoheilliNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Zahra AtaieeNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Semiramis TootianNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Maryam ZadsarNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Sediegeh AminiNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Kafi AbadiNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Valerie JauvinNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Patricia PinsonNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, Herve J. FleuryNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this author, and Shahram SamieiNational Research Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:30 Jan 2009https://doi.org/10.1089/aid.2008.0199AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail "Presence of HIV-1 CRF35_AD in Iran." , 25(1), pp. 123–124FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited ByThere is no Difference Between Sequences of HIV-1 Infected Patients with Stable Clinical Status and HIV-1 Reference SequenceInfectious Disorders - Drug Targets, Vol. 19, No. 1A Surveillance on Protease Inhibitor Resistance-Associated Mutations Among Iranian HIV-1 Patients26 September 2018 | Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol. 13, No. 6Prevalence of HIV-1 pre-treatment drug resistance in a southern province of Iran, 2016-20175 October 2017 | Archives of Virology, Vol. 163, No. 1Functional conservation and coherence of HIV-1 subtype A Vpu alleles7 March 2017 | Scientific Reports, Vol. 7, No. 1Functional conservation and coherence of HIV-1 subtype A Vpu alleles20 March 2017 | Scientific Reports, Vol. 7, No. 1Antiretroviral drug resistance mutations in naïve and experienced patients in Shiraz, Iran, 20141 July 2016 | Archives of Virology, Vol. 161, No. 9Spatio-Temporal History of HIV-1 CRF35_AD in Afghanistan and Iran9 June 2016 | PLOS ONE, Vol. 11, No. 6Phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 pol gene: first subgenomic evidence of CRF29-BF among Iranian HIV-1 patientsAsian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, Vol. 4HIV-1 pol Diversity among Female Bar and Hotel Workers in Northern Tanzania8 July 2014 | PLoS ONE, Vol. 9, No. 7The emerging face of the HIV epidemic in the Middle East and North AfricaCurrent Opinion in HIV and AIDS, Vol. 9, No. 2Prevalence of Transmitted HIV Drug Resistance in Iran between 2010 and 201123 April 2013 | PLoS ONE, Vol. 8, No. 4Molecular Epidemiology of HIV Type 1 Infection in Iran: Genomic Evidence of CRF35_AD Predominance and CRF01_AE Infection Among Individuals Associated with Injection Drug Use Fatemeh Jahanbakhsh, Shiro Ibe, Junko Hattori, Seyed Hamid Reza Monavari, Masakazu Matsuda, Masami Maejima, Yasumasa Iwatani, Arash Memarnejadian, Hossein Keyvani, Kayhan Azadmanesh, and Wataru Sugiura2 January 2013 | AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, Vol. 29, No. 1Cloning, Soluble Expression and Immunoreactivity of HIV-1 CRF35_AD p24 Protein Infusion with HP-thioredoxin from Iranian Clinical Isolates1 November 2012 | Laboratory Medicine, Vol. 43, No. 6Assessing subtype and drug-resistance-associated mutations among antiretroviral-treated HIV-infected patientsAIDS, Vol. 24, No. Suppl 2Distinct Circulating Recombinant HIV-1 Strains Among Injecting Drug Users and Sex Workers in Afghanistan Eric Sanders-Buell, Meera Bose, Abdul Nasir, Catherine S. Todd, M. Raza Stanekzai, Sodsai Tovanabutra, Paul T. Scott, Steffanie A. Strathdee, Jeffrey Tjaden, Nelson L. Michael, and Francine E. McCutchan17 May 2010 | AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, Vol. 26, No. 5Transmitted drug resistance in nonsubtype B HIV-1 infectionHIV Therapy, Vol. 3, No. 5 Volume 25Issue 1Jan 2009 InformationCopyright 2009, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Zahra Soheila Soheilli, Zahra Ataiee, Semiramis Tootian, Maryam Zadsar, Sediegeh Amini, Kafi Abadi, Valerie Jauvin, Patricia Pinson, Herve J. Fleury, and Shahram Samiei.Presence of HIV-1 CRF35_AD in Iran.AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses.Jan 2009.123-124.http://doi.org/10.1089/aid.2008.0199Published in Volume: 25 Issue 1: January 30, 2009PDF download

Bodies, beaches and bars: negotiating heterosexual masculinity in southern Thailand's tourism industry

This article explores the gender politics of heterosexual masculinity by detailing the practices of masculinity and heterosexuality among a group of Thai men working in the tourism industry in Thailand's south. The research is based on ethnographic data obtained during a number of field visits between October 2000 and January 2007 to Pha-ngan Island in southern Thailand. It is positioned within the geography literature on masculinities and heterosexuality, extending the current literature on cross-cultural negotiations of masculinity by exploring negotiations of heterosexual masculinity in a context where differing cultural notions of hegemonic masculinity come into dialogue. Specifically, I detail the articulation of heterosexual masculinity by Thai bar workers through their encounters with three key ‘Others’: Thai transgendered people; tourist women; and tourist men. These encounters provide a context through which the complexity and instability of both hegemonic and subordinated masculinity can be explored. In particular, I argue that the delineation of these masculinities is both contextually and culturally specific. The encounters also provide an opportunity to investigate the importance of spatiality to the performance of heterosexual identities.

Prevalence of smoking among bar workers prior to the Republic of Ireland smokefree workplace legislation

This study establishes baseline prevalence of smoking and cigarette consumption among Cork bar workers prior to the Republic of Ireland's (ROI) smokefree workplace legislation and compares gender- and age-specific smoking rates and estimates the adjusted odds of being a smoker for Cork bar workers relative to the general population. Cross-sectional random sample of bar workers in Cork city and cross-sectional random telephone survey of the general population were conducted prior to the smokefree legislation. Self reported smoking prevalence among Cork bar workers (n = 129) was 54% (58% using cotinine-validated measures), with particularly high rates in women (70%) and 18-28 years old (72%). Within the ROI (n = 1,240) sub-sample rates were substantially lower at 28%. Bar workers were twice as likely to be smokers as the general population sub-sample (OR = 2.15). Cork bar workers constitute an occupational group with an extremely high smoking prevalence.

Intrauterine programming of the cardiovascular system

Intrauterine programming of the cardiovascular system