 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
John P. Sanchez, MPH, MSII1, Billy De Los Santos, MS, MSII1, and Lydia Isaac2. (1) Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1935 Eastchester Rd, 28F, Bronx, NY 10461, (2) Harvard School of Public Health, 1640 Worcester Rd., Apt 221D, Farmingham, MA 01702
Studies suggest that lesbians are more likely than heterosexual women to use cigarettes. However, limited research has focused on the smoking prevalence and behavior of Black/Hispanic, lesbian/bisexual women from low-income neighborhoods. The Bronx represents such a community and historically has had limited access to gay-sensitive healthcare. The Consortium received funding to investigate and address the smoking cessation needs of Bronx lesbian/bisexual women and their families. During the summer of 2002, a smoking-related needs assessment was conducted amongst Bronx lesbian/bisexual women to estimate their smoking behavior, cessation history, impact of second-hand smoke on their family, and interest in a smoking cessation program. Interviews were conducted with 227 randomly selected women from lesbian-identified venues in the Bronx. The majority of respondents identified as lesbian or bisexual (82%), were Hispanic/Black (98%), and were Bronx residents (75%). Of the Bronx lesbian/bisexual women, the majority smoked cigarettes (68.6%), with a frequency of at least 6 cigarettes/day (51%) on 20 out of 30 days/mon (65%). Hispanic smokers were less likely than Black smokers to have attempted to quit in the past year (67.9% vs. 91.7%;p<.02) and to have expressed interest in a smoking cessation program (41.9% vs. 55.2%). Furthermore, Hispanic women were more likely to have asthmatics (71.2% vs. 40%;p<.02), a partner (46.4% vs. 24%;p,<.05), and at least two children in their household (57.7% vs. 26.6%;p<.05). These results highlight the need for targeted smoking education and cessation for minority inner-city lesbian/bisexual women and their families. Participants will gain a greater understanding of research related to lesbians and smoking cessation and will discuss recommendations for future research and smoking cessation programs.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Lesbian, Smoking Cessation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Bronx Lesbian and Gay Health Resource Consortium (The Consortium)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.