Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons: Implications for public health nursing.

Abstract

Smoking and rates of tobacco abuse remain higher in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons. There has been very little scholarly inquiry about the emerging trend of use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; e.g., vaping and eCigarettes [eCigs]) in LGBTQ populations. The purpose of this article is to: (a) explore the most recent prevalence data regarding smoking and tobacco abuse in LGBTQ persons, (b) reveal strategies the tobacco industry has historically used in marketing their products to the LGBTQ community, (c) review data from the few studies evaluating use of ENDS in LGBTQ persons, (d) provide evidence-based methods public health nurses can employ to discourage use of ENDS in LGBTQ persons by addressing two identified causes of ENDS use in LGBTQ populations (harassment/discrimination in LGBTQ youth and binge drinking in LGBTQ adults), and (5) encourage cessation among those already using ENDS.