High Tobacco Use among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations in West Virginian Bars and Community Festivals

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Joseph G. L. Lee²  Adam O. Goldstein²  Leah M. Ranney²  Jeff Crist¹ 

[1] West Virginia Covenant House, 600 Shrewsbury Street, Charleston, WV 25301, USA; E-Mail:;Tobacco Prevention and Evaluation Program, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 590 Manning Drive, CB 7595, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; E-Mails:

关键词: homosexuality;    tobacco use;    West Virginia;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph8072758

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

With no information on tobacco use for lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) populations in West Virginia (WV), it is unclear if nationally-identified LGB tobacco disparities also exist in this State. To address this data gap, we conducted a community tobacco survey in bars and events associated with the WV Pride Parade and Festival. Trained community surveyors used electronic and paper survey instruments in bars (n = 6) in three WV cities and community events associated with the WV Pride Parade and Festival. We analyzed results from 386 completed surveys from self-identified LGB individuals. Tobacco use among LGB bar patrons and LGB attendees at Pride-affiliated events was elevated (45%), as was current cigarette use (41%). Users of cigars and chewing tobacco were frequently dual users of cigarettes, with 80% and 60% reporting dual use, respectively. A substantial disparity likely exists in tobacco use among LGB West Virginians. Targeted interventions addressing tobacco use among LGB West Virginians are warranted in these venues, and the addition of a demographic question on sexual orientation would improve data collection and monitoring of this disparity.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland