Tobacco use, behaviors and beliefs between two disparate groups from Fayette County, Kentucky

Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and is responsible for approximately 440,000 deaths each year. In Kentucky, 28% of the total population smokes or uses other forms of tobacco compared to the 21% of the US Population. Approximately 26% of adults in Fayette County smoke. However, there is no existing data on the percentage of smokers in certain minority groups or how frequently these minorities use or seek smoking cessation programs. Surveys were administered to African American women as well as those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT). The questionnaire consisted of 12 variables focused on tobacco habits, cessation methods, family members that smoke and beliefs about smoking in the community. Surveys were administered at local health fairs, African-American-women-specific events and LGBT-specific events. Of the African American women that were surveyed (85), 33.7% reported tobacco use, with cigarettes being the primary mode of tobacco use. Of those smokers, 58.6% have tried to quit or were interested in quitting. Of the African American women surveyed, 70.9% thought that smoking was a problem in their community. Of those surveyed in the LGBT community (100), 33% reported to be tobacco users, with cigarettes being the primary mode of use. Of those that smoke, 60.6% have tried to quit or were interested in quitting. Most (73%) of those surveyed think that smoking is a problem in the LGBT community.