Other Tobacco Product Use Among Sexual Minority Young Adult Bar Patrons

Introduction: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals smoke at rates 1.5-2 times higher than the general population, but less is known about LGB consumption of other tobacco products (OTPs) and gender differences. OTP use among young adult LGB bar patrons and the relationship among past quit attempts, intention to quit, and binge drinking with OTP use was examined.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of young adults (aged 18-26) in bars/nightclubs in seven U.S. cities between 2012 and 2014 (N=8,010; 1,101 LGB participants) was analyzed in 2016. Logistic regressions examined current use of five OTPs (cigarillos, electronic cigarettes, hookah, chewing tobacco, and snus) and sexual minority status, adjusting for demographics and comparing LB women and GB men with their heterosexual counterparts.

Results: LGB bar/nightclub patrons used all OTPs more than their heterosexual counterparts. LB women were more likely than heterosexual women to use cigarillos, electronic cigarettes, hookah, chew, and snus. GB men were more likely than heterosexual men to smoke cigarillos, electronic cigarettes, hookah, and use chew and snus. Past-year quit attempt was associated with increased odds of electronic cigarette use in men and women, and increased odds of dual use (cigarettes and OTPs) among men. Intention to quit was negatively associated with dual use among women. Binge drinking was associated with increased use of all OTPs across genders.

Conclusions: LGB bar-going young adults are at higher risk for OTP use than their heterosexual counterparts. Bar-based interventions are needed to address all forms of tobacco use in this high-risk group.