Learning Objectives: Identify issues that are related to tobacco use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals.
Abstract: Tobacco use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals is seen to be a major health issue by researchers and clinicians alike. While adult smoking is seen to be on the decrease, gay men and lesbians are still more likely to smoke than the general adult population. Individuals involved with tobacco control programs and individuals working within cessation programs will benefit from knowing more about the context that may influence the tobacco use of LGBT men and women in order to improve LGBT men and women’s access to such programs.
The National Association of LGBT Community Centers (NALGBTCC) conducted focus groups and asked LGBT individuals about their beliefs and feelings about smoking. Groups were restricted to either smokers of specific genders or ethnicities. Focus groups contained as few as two people and as many as twelve, and participants’ age ranged from 14-65.
Results show how stress, alcohol/drug use, and social settings all are related to LGBT individuals’ use of cigarettes. Many LGBT individuals use cigarettes to reduce stress resulting from many sources including homophobia, to smoke more when using drugs or alcohol, and to use cigarettes as a social lubricant.
The results of the focus groups present aspects specific to the lives of LGBT people that will influence their tobacco use. Issues like homophobia, bar culture are issues that influence tobacco use among LGBT individuals in addition to more culturally ubiquitous elements. Cession and prevention programs must be flexible in order to incorporate LGBT specific issues within their programs.
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