Research

Tobacco use among sexual minorities, USA, 1987-2007: A systematic review
This systematic review of published studies from 1987 through May 2007 examines the prevalence of tobacco use among sexual minorities including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals in the United States. According to the researchers, prior meta-analyses looking at the same population and prevalence had multiple weaknesses including poor sampling methodology in articles identified and variations in definitions of sexual orientation and smoking that the current review addresses and updates. The study found that there is strong evidence of elevated prevalence of tobacco use among sexual minorities when compared to heterosexual prevalence. Based on their findings, the researchers recommend targeted interventions to address smoking among sexual minorities. Click here to read an abstract of the review in the online journal Tobacco Control.

Smoking kills, irrespective of social class and gender
Recent research concludes that higher socio-economic status does not protect against the deadly effects of smoking. The study examined the long term impact of smoking on older men and women. The study had a sample of over 15,000 men and women. Death rates for the participants were analyzed fourteen and twenty-eight years after the start of the study. Across genders, smokers regardless of social class had a significantly higher risk of premature death when compared to the non-smokers. Being female also did not provide any survival advantage for smokers, despite the traditional longevity women have been shown to have over men. Click here to read more. Click here to access the abstract of the study in the British Medical Journal.

Menthol cigarettes the most addictive
A new study shows that the cooling effect of menthol cigarettes may make them more addictive, and therefore, more deadly.  The result of the study built upon results of previous research that concluded menthol cigarette smokers took in more nicotine and carbon monoxide than did smokers of regular cigarettes, and that those who smoked menthol cigarettes found it more difficult to quit. To read more about this study was published in The International Journal of Clinical Practice,
click here.

Tobacco companies target girls
A new study of internal tobacco industry documents has revealed that transnational tobacco companies have specifically targeted South Korean girls and young women since 1988. Companies conducted market research and promoted “slim,” “light,” and “mild” cigarette brands to health-conscious young women concerned about their body weight. Although smoking rates remain highest among men, data suggest that women’s smoking has risen since the marketing began, particularly among younger women. In light of this example of ongoing gender targeting, the researchers suggest that there is a need to include gender perspective when applying the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Click here to read more. Click here to read an abstract of the article in the online journal Globalization and Health.

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Reports

Deadly in pink: New report warns big tobacco has stepped up targeting of women and girls
A coalition of public health organizations have released a report detailing the recent marketing campaigns by the tobacco industry that aggressively target women and girls. The report depicts smoking as feminine and fashionable. Philip Morris USA repackaged its Virginia Slims brand into “purse packs” that resembled small cosmetic boxes that could fit into small purses. This campaign launched in October 2008. Similarly, R.J. Reynolds launched a version of Camel cigarettes, called Camel No. 9. The report was issued by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and urged Congress to pass legislation that would grant the Federal Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products and provide regulation over tobacco marketing. Click here to read the full press release. Click here to access the Deadly in Pink report.

Military effort wants to put an end to smokeless tobacco use
A national survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2005 found that 3% of Americans use chewing tobacco. A similar survey aimed at military personnel and conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD) in 2005 showed the rate for those in the military was significantly higher at 14% than the American public. The military estimates the current rate to be as high as 21%. To address this, the DOD is a sponsor of the Great American Spit Out on February 19th. The DOD sponsors the interactive website www.ucanquit2.org to aid American soldiers in their tobacco cessation efforts. Click here to read more.

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