Concurrent Daily Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Women

Abstract

Background: Studies show that sexual minority women (SMW) report more hazardous alcohol use patterns and higher rates of tobacco use than exclusively heterosexual women. Despite the public health implications of drinking and smoking, especially when they co-occur, little is known about SMW’s daily use patterns or the factors that may facilitate concurrent use. Objectives: The present study seeks to identify patterns of daily concurrent alcohol and tobacco use among SMW and heterosexual women, including socio-environmental drinking contexts of concurrent use. Methods: Data come from a community sample of lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women (N = 246) who completed up to 84 consecutive days of web-based reports about substance use. Results: Participants reported 4,012 drinking days (24%), 2,019 smoking days (12%), and 769 concurrent drinking and smoking days (5%). No differences were found between SMW and heterosexual women in the proportion of drinking days; however, SMW consumed more drinks on drinking days. SMW also reported a greater proportion of smoking days, more cigarettes smoked on smoking days, and a greater proportion of concurrent drinking and smoking days. Reciprocal daily relationships between alcohol and tobacco use were identified, and these relationships were strongest for bisexual women. Socio-environmental factors—including certain locations, situations, and companions—increased the likelihood of concurrent use for all women; however, few sexual identity differences were found in concurrent use contexts. Importance: Results expand our understanding about daily concurrent alcohol and tobacco use risk among SMW, and potentially inform treatment research to better address the unique experiences of this vulnerable group.