Smoking among lesbians, gays, and bisexuals - A review of the literature

Objectives: To collect estimates of smoking prevalence among lesbian, gay, and bisexual people from the published literature and to compare with gener al population estimates. Methods: Databases were searched for all studies published in English on to bacco, use among lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. From 1987 through 2000, twe lve studies were identified (four youth, eight adult): seven were based on convenience samples; one on a population-based probability sample; one invo lved random sampling within selected census tracts; one was based on a larg e multicenter clinical trial; and two were representative school-based samp les. Study findings were compared to national survey data from the correspo nding time period. Results: Estimated smoking rates for lesbians, gays, and bisexuals ranged f rom 38% to 59% among youth and from 11% to 50% among adults. National smoki ng rates during comparable periods ranged from 28% to 35% for adolescents a nd were approximately 28% for adults. Conclusions: While information in the published literature is limited, it a ppears that smoking rates are higher among adolescent and adult lesbians, g ays, and bisexuals than in the general population. Steps should be taken to ensure representation of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals in tobacco-use surv eillance and to collect data in order to understand the apparent high smoki ng rates in these groups. Attempts should be made to target prevention and cessation interventions to lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. (C) 2001 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.