Young adults who identify as being part of a sexual minority are considered to be at high-risk for tobacco use. A recent study investigated cigarette and alternate tobacco product use within heterosexual, gay/lesbian, and bisexual college students.
This study looked at data from a longitudinal study of over 3000 college students aged 18-25. The students completed surveys over the course of two years, reporting sexual orientation and tobacco use initially, and then recording updated tobacco use habits throughout the study.
The data showed that being bisexual was associated with cigarette and e-cigarette use, and that being lesbian was linked to cigarette and cigarillo use. Overall, identifying as a sexual minority increases risk for using specific tobacco products, especially in women. There are many potential reasons for this connection, but this data suggests that sexual minorities could benefit from targeted education and prevention efforts.
Take Away: In college students who identify as being gay or bisexual, there is an increased risk for tobacco use. This connection is more prominent in women.