Smoking Cessation Treatment Preferences, Intentions, and Behaviors Among a Large Sample of Colorado Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Smokers

Abstract

Little is known about preferences, intentions, and behaviors regarding evidence-based cessation treatment for smoking cessation among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) adults. We obtained and analyzed questionnaire responses from GLBT smokers (n= 1,633) surveyed in 129 GLBT-identified Colorado venues and online during 2007. Most respondents (80.4%) smoked daily. Nearly one-third smoked 20 or more cigarettes/day. Fewer than half (47.2%) had attempted quitting in the previous year, and only 8.5% were preparing to quit in the next month. More than one-fourth (28.2%) of quit attempters had used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and a similar proportion said they intended to use NRT in their next quit attempt. Lesbians were significantly less likely than gay men to have used or intend to use NRT. One-fourth of respondents said they were uncomfortable talking to their doctor about quitting smoking. Four factors (daily smoking, ever having used NRT, a smoke-free home rule, and comfort asking one's doctor for cessation advice) were associated with preparation to quit smoking. GLBT self-identification was not associated with lower than average acceptance of evidence-based smoking cessation strategies, especially NRT, but a large minority of GLBT smokers were unlikely to seek cessation assistance through clinical encounters. Public health campaigns should focus on supporting motivation to quit and providing nonclinical access to evidence-based treatments.