Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations

Research

Adult health behaviors over the life course by sexual orientation
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that smoking behaviors differ among adults by sexual orientation. Researchers used data from the California Health Interview Survey to determine health behaviors among adults with different ages and sexual orientations. Results show that for smoking behaviors, lesbians at any adult age had greater odds of smoking when compared to heterosexual women of any age. The authors conclude that behavioral change interventions should target lesbians, gays, and bisexuals at all ages to minimize harmful behaviors. Click here to read the study abstract.

A systematic review of the etiology of tobacco disparities for sexual minorities
A recent study concludes that certain risk factors correlate with cigarette smoking among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations. Researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature and found that risk factors such as stress, depression, internalized homophobia, and reactions to disclosure of sexual orientation are correlated with smoking. Based on the findings, the authors call attention to the need for funds to be directed to research that explains the origins of the disparities in smoking rates among sexual minorities. Read the study abstract published in Tobacco Control here.

How is tobacco treatment provided during drug treatment?
According to a new study, substance abuse treatment facilities may not consistently offer evidence-based tobacco cessation treatment. Researchers assessed eight substance abuse treatment facilities to determine what type of cessation treatment was offered to patients. The results show that even among programs reporting that cessation treatment is offered, patients were rarely given tobacco cessation treatment, patients had to request tobacco treatment, and few staff reported encouraging unmotivated tobacco users to quit. The authors recommend that substance abuse treatment facilities build their tobacco cessation capacity in order to create systems to deliver care that is consistent with national guidelines. Click here to read the study abstract in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.

Promoting smoke-free environments and tobacco cessation in residential treatment facilities for mental health and substance addictions, Oregon, 2010 (OR)
According to an article published in Preventing Chronic Disease, states should introduce smoke-free campus and cessation policies to help residents of mental health and substance addiction treatment facilities quit smoking. The research team assessed tobacco-related policies at state-funded treatment facilities in Oregon in 2010. The data revealed that only 15% of facilities had voluntarily implemented smoke-free policies and 47% offered cessation services to individuals at time of discharge, but less than 10% expressed opposition to these future requirements. The authors conclude that states should create mandatory smoke-free campus policies and implement cessation services for those in treatment facilities in order to reduce tobacco-related disparities among people with mental illness and addictions. Click here to read the study.

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Reports

New website available from the National African American Tobacco Prevention Network
The National African American Tobacco Prevention Network (NAATPN) has launched a new website with resources, events, and tobacco control news for the African American community. Click here to see the website.

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