Same same but different: A comparison of LGB and non-LGB client preferences and reported receipt of smoking care in alcohol and other drug treatment services

Abstract

Introduction and aimsLesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are more likely to use tobacco and other substances than non-LGB people. A limited body of research has examined LGB people in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment setting. This study aims to examine the tobacco smoking behaviours of LGB people receiving AOD treatment, their receipt and preferences for quit support compared to non-LGB, as well as the factors associated with receipt of quit smoking support strategies for LGB people. Design and methodsWe examined baseline survey responses (February to August 2014) from a longitudinal RCT, with clients who were current smokers from 32 AOD treatment services in four states and territories of Australia. ResultsAmong 896 respondents, 100 respondents identified as LGB. Nearly all LGB (94%) respondents identifies as daily tobacco smokers. On average, LGB respondents had made more quit attempts in the last 12 months (3 vs 2, p = 0.012). Both LGB and non-LGB respondents reported receiving similar rates of quit smoking support however more LGB respondents reported receiving a prescription of varenicline (31.5% vs 36.4%, p = 0.04). Higher motivation to quit (OR 1.39 95% CI 1.07, 1.78) and older age of LGB respondents were associated with greater receipt of quit smoking support. Both LGB and non-LGB respondents reported similar preferences for quit support. Discussion and conclusionsLGB smokers in AOD treatment are attempting to quit smoking yet both LGB and non-LGB smokers are not receiving adequate treatment despite openness to receive multiple types of quit support.