Tobacco harm perceptions and use among sexual and gender minorities: findings from a national sample of young adults in the United States. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ganz, Ollie; Johnson, Amanda L.; Cohn, Amy M.; Rath, Jessica; Horn, Kimberly; Vallone, Donna; Villanti, Andrea C.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 81(2018)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Tobacco use -- Substance use/abuse -- Health disparities -- Gender identity -- Sexual orientation; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.01.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: In the United States, the prevalence of tobacco use among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) is higher compared to their non-SGM counterparts. Tobacco harm perceptions have gone largely unexamined as a potential mechanism supporting disproportionate tobacco use among this population. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between SGM and non-SGM young adults in harm perceptions of various tobacco products and tobacco use behavior and whether low tobacco-related harm perceptions moderate the relationship between identifying as a SGM and tobacco use behavior. Methods: This study used data from Wave 10 of the Truth Initiative Young Adult Cohort Study, a sample of U.S. young adults (ages 18–34). Data were collected from September to October 2016 and the study sample included 3089 individuals. Demographics, past 30-day use of cigarettes, little cigars/cigarillos/bidis and electronic cigarettes were assessed. Absolute and relative harm perceptions of these products were also examined. Results: Identifying as a SGM and low tobacco harm perceptions were found to be positively associated with past 30-day tobacco use. There was no interaction between SGM status and harm perceptions on past 30-day tobacco use Conclusions: Findings confirm that SGM young adults continue to disproportionately use tobacco products, compared to non-SGM young adults. More research is needed to understand moderators of the relationship between SGM status and tobacco use in young adults. Highlights: The prevalence of tobacco use was higher for sexual and gender (SGM) minorities compared to their non-SGM counterparts. Lower absolute harm perceptions of cigarettes and e-cigarettes were associated with past 30-day product use. The perception of little cigars/cigarillos/bidis and e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes was associated with past 30-day product use. In this study, harm perceptions did not moderate the relationship between identifying as a SGM and tobacco use behavior.