Abstract
With no information on tobacco use for lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) populations in West Virginia (WV), it is unclear if nationally-identified LGB tobacco disparities also exist in this State. To address this data gap, we conducted a community tobacco survey in bars and events associated with the WV Pride Parade and Festival. Trained community surveyors used electronic and paper survey instruments in bars (n = 6) in three WV cities and community events associated with the WV Pride Parade and Festival. We analyzed results from 386 completed surveys from self-identified LGB individuals. Tobacco use among LGB bar patrons and LGB attendees at Pride-affiliated events was elevated (45%), as was current cigarette use (41%). Users of cigars and chewing tobacco were frequently dual users of cigarettes, with 80% and 60% reporting dual use, respectively. A substantial disparity likely exists in tobacco use among LGB West Virginians. Targeted interventions addressing tobacco use among LGB West Virginians are warranted in these venues, and the addition of a demographic question on sexual orientation would improve data collection and monitoring of this disparity.
Highlights
The tobacco epidemic has disproportionately affected the health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)people and constitutes a major health inequality [1,2]
Forty-two percent of current smokers surveyed in a Charleston bar reported having seen the public service announcement (PSA). This pilot survey found evidence of high rates of tobacco use among LGB West Virginians. The findings of this survey suggest that LGB people living in WV face similar or elevated risk of elevated tobacco use as found in statewide surveys in other states [31,32]
This research suggests that the high burden of tobacco-related disease, including asthma [34], cancer, and other tobaccorelated diseases, constitute a major health disparity for LGB populations
Summary
The tobacco epidemic has disproportionately affected the health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)people and constitutes a major health inequality [1,2]. While little data are available for transgender people, the evidence suggests substantially higher risk of tobacco use [3]. The availability of regional and state data on tobacco use prevalence among LGB people remains constrained, by the limited number of states that include sexual orientation questions on routine health surveys [4,5,6]. No statewide survey data is available from states in the South or Appalachia [2,6,7]. This lack of data hinders state and community interventions as local data are not available to document disparities or to use in program evaluations [4,8]. In the absence of comprehensive state data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded National
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call