Demographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use in sexual minority women

Abstract

Demographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use among sexual minority women (SMW) were assessed using data from a larger lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) study. Of the 171 participants, 42% (n = 71) were smokers. However, 61% of smokers reported a recent quit attempt, and 39% were taking action toward or planning to quit. In multivariable logistic regression, lack of insurance, frequent attendance at LGBT bars, greater awareness of anti-smoking messages, and fewer perceived deterrents to smoking were associated with greater odds of smoking. Our findings provide additional support for elevated smoking rates among SMW and help to identify factors associated with smoking in this population. Awareness of prevention campaigns, recent quit attempts, and intention to quit were high, suggesting opportunities for smoking cessation.

Smoking prevalence among lesbian, bisexual and queer women in Sydney remains high: Analysis of trends and correlates

“…Women who never smoked or who no longer smoke were least likely to report recent attendance at LGBT bars and clubs; this echoes previous research [8,20,37]. However, a sense of LGBT community connection was not a correlate, suggesting the mode of engaging with community is important rather than the mere fact of engaging (although in this highly connected sample there may be a ceiling effect).…”

“…[18][19][20] That we did find a slight reduction over time is heartening. However, our analysis revealed no reduction in high smoking rates among 16-24 year old LBQ women.…”

“…We draw attention to this distinction between connection and mode of engagement as some studies have used attendance as a measure of community involvement. [20] Indeed one study found that a sense of community connection was associated with a reduced likelihood of smoking; that is, community connection -through the social support it offersmay be protective. [37] Further research should explore how different mode of engaging -bars, sporting groups, community groups, activist groups, friendship groups -support or do not support smoking, and develop interventions accordingly.…”

“…A recent Queensland study found 49% of 13-24 year old LBQ women reported smoking [7]. These rates are echoed by studies in the US and Canada [18][19][20] and contrast to smoking among Australian women which is at an all-time low of 13% across all ages and 17% among 18-24 year old women [21]. Despite overwhelming evidence of persistent disparities in smoking rates there has been little research to explain this health inequity and no Australian tobacco control policy has acknowledged sexual minority women as a priority group for attention.…”

“…One US analysis of sexual minority women smokers found correlates of smoking included lack of health insurance, frequent attendance at LGBT bars or clubs and fewer perceived deterrents to smoking. [20] A recent qualitative study reported smoking was a way for young sexual minority women to deal with stressors faced by young people in general, as well as sexuality-related stressors [22]. It has also been widely reported that smoking is an ingrained part of LGBT culture.…”