Prevalence and correlates of smoking and e-cigarette use among young men who have sex with men and transgender women

Abstract

Background Although the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the United States has decreased, rates remain elevated among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). This study examined rates and correlates of tobacco use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women. Methods Participants (N=771) were drawn from the baseline assessment of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of racially diverse MSM aged 16–29 years. Data collection took place in 2015–2016. Socio-demographic and SGM-specific (e.g., gender identity, sexual identity, physical attraction) correlates of cigarette smoking and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use were identified using logistic regression. Results Twenty-one percent were current cigarette smokers. Nearly 40% ever tried an e-cigarette, but regular e-cigarette use was low (3.8%). Smokers were more likely to be older (vs. aged 16–18), less educated, homeless, bisexual or identify as some other sexual minority (vs. gay), attracted to males and females equally or more attracted to females than males (vs. males only), and HIV-positive. E-cigarette users were more likely to be transgender women (vs. cisgender men), White (vs. Black), more educated, and mostly attracted to females. Conclusions Findings highlight important risk factors for tobacco use among SGM youth. Correlates of smoking mirrored findings observed in the general population, but also included factors specific to SGM youth (e.g., sexual orientation, HIV status, homelessness). Although some variables (gender identity, attraction) demonstrated similar relationships with smoking and e-cigarette use, others (race/ethnicity, education) demonstrated opposite patterns. Findings underscore the urgent need for tobacco prevention and cessation interventions for SGM youth.

Cigarette Smoking and Its Associations with Substance Use and HIV-Related Sexual Risks among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…This study assessed multiple components of sexual orientation (sexual identity, attraction, and behavior) and presented important information regarding the relationship between sexual orientation and tobacco use among Chinese MSM. Consistent with prior literature on MSM smokers [44], sexual identity was associated with current smoking; specifically, we found self-identified gay men were more likely to report current frequent smoking compared to heterosexual or other MSM. Inconsistent with one prior study [44], we did not find a relationship between sexual attraction and smoking, possibly due to variations in measurements and sample characteristics (no transgender women were included in the current study, but they were included in the Gerend study [44].…”

“…Consistent with prior literature on MSM smokers [44], sexual identity was associated with current smoking; specifically, we found self-identified gay men were more likely to report current frequent smoking compared to heterosexual or other MSM. Inconsistent with one prior study [44], we did not find a relationship between sexual attraction and smoking, possibly due to variations in measurements and sample characteristics (no transgender women were included in the current study, but they were included in the Gerend study [44]. Regarding sexual behavior, having female (but not male) sexual partners was significantly associated with current frequent smoking after adjusting for potential confounding variables.…”

High Rate of Discontinuation May Diminish PrEP Coverage Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…Methods for participant recruitment have been previously described. 5,6 Briefly, participants were recruited using venue-based, social media (e.g. Facebook), and incentivized snow ball sampling.…”

Threefold Increase in PrEP Uptake Over Time with High Adherence Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in Chicago

“…The primary objective of this cohort study is to apply a multilevel perspective 14 to a syndemic of health issues associated with HIV among diverse YMSM and TGW 15 . Diverse methods for participant recruitment have been previously described 16,17 and were selected in order to achieve the multiple cohort, accelerated longitudinal design. 18 Briefly, participants were recruited using a variety of methods including venue based recruiting, social media (e.g.…”