Disparities in Smoking Between the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Population and the General Population in California

Abstract

Tobacco control efforts targeting the LGB population are needed to reduce this group's high rate of cigarette smoking.

Smoking Cessation Outcomes Among Sexual and Gender Minority and Nonminority Smokers in Extended Smoking Treatments

“…For example, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals are reported to have a smoking prevalence of 24%-45% (Clarke & Coughlin, 2012). Compared to heterosexual men, smoking prevalence among gay and bisexual men are estimated to be 27%-71% higher (Burkhalter, Warren, Shuk, Primavera, & Ostroff, 2009;Gruskin, Greenwood, Matevia, Pollack, & Bye, 2007), and compared to heterosexual women, smoking prevalence among lesbian and bisexual women are estimated to be 70%-350% higher (Burgard, Cochran, & Mays, 2005;Burkhalter et al, 2009;Gruskin et al, 2007). Research on smoking prevalence among transgender individuals is limited, though many believe estimates are higher than the general population (Burkhalter et al, 2009;Eliason, Dibble, Gordon, & Soliz, 2012;National Cancer Institute, 2000).…”

Associations of Discrimination and Violence With Smoking Among Emerging Adults: Differences by Gender and Sexual Orientation

“…Literature also clearly documents disparities in smoking among lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations (i.e., sexual minorities) in the United States, suggesting 50%-70% higher prevalence than the general population (Austin et al, 2004;Garofalo, Wolf, Kessel, Palfrey, & DuRant, 1998;Gruskin, Greenwood, Matevia, Pollack, & Bye, 2007;Lee, Griffin, & Melvin, 2009;McCabe, Boyd, Hughes, & d'Arcy, 2003;Skinner, 1994;Stall, Greenwood, Acree, Paul, & Coates, 1999;Tang et al, 2004). Moreover, the American Lung Association (2010) published a special report of tobacco disparities among sexual minorities, harkening a call for more research.…”

Intention to quit smoking among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender smokers

“…In gay and bisexual men, prevalence is from 27% to 71% higher ( Greenwood et al, 2005 ;Gruskin, Greenwood, Matevia, Pollack, & Bye, 2007 ;Stall, Greenwood, Acree, Paul, & Coates, 1999 ;Tang et al, 2004 ), and for lesbians and bisexual women, it is 70% -350% higher ( Burgard, Cochran, & Mays, 2005 ;Gruskin et al;Tang et al). Although similar data for transgender persons are lacking, this population experiences high rates of substance abuse; depression, social, and employment discrimination; and HIV infection ( Clements-Nolle, Marx, Guzman, & Katz, 2001 ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2001 ), characteristics which are typically associated with a higher prevalence of smoking in the general population ( Droomers, Schrijvers, & Mackenbach, 2002 ;National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2000 ).…”