257562 Same-sex legal marriage and tobacco use: Findings from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Richard G. Wight, PhD , Community Health Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Allen J. LeBlanc, PhD , Department of Sociology and the Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
M.V. Lee Badgett, PhD , Williams Institute, School of Law; Department of Economics and Center for Public Policy and Administration, University of California Los Angeles; University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA
Background. Studies consistently demonstrate health benefits associated with heterosexual marriage, but little is known about same-sex marriage and health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons (LGBs). Additionally, the degree to which same-sex marriage may offset health disparities between sexual minorities and heterosexuals is unknown. Same-sex marriage was legal in California for a 5-month period in 2008

Objectives. We examine the relationship between same-sex marriage and tobacco use among LGBs, and compare tobacco use between LGBs in same-sex marriages and their married heterosexual counterparts.

Methods. With data from the 2009 CHIS, we identify three sub-samples for: (1) within-group LGB analysis (n=1,166); (2) within-group heterosexual analysis (n=35,608); and (3) between-group analysis (n=37,774). Data are weighted to reflect the state's population of adults aged 18 to 70 years. Tobacco use is assessed as current smoker versus not. Multivariate logistic regression models control for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results. Seven percent of California LGB adults report being in legal same-sex marriages. LGBs in no legal relationship are significantly more likely to smoke than both unmarried heterosexuals (p < 0.05) and married heterosexuals (p < 0.001). Although California LGBs are significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to smoke than heterosexuals (22% vs. 14%), tobacco use among same-sex married LGBs (15%) is not significantly different from tobacco use among married heterosexuals (13%; p = 0.80).

Conclusions. Same-sex marriage may influence LGB smoking behavior, making access to same-sex marriage a public health concern. Moreover, re-legalizing same-sex marriage in California may offset health disparities between LGBs and heterosexuals.

Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Determine if same-sex marriage holds health benefits for LGBs. Ascertain the degree to which legal same-sex marriage may offset health disparities between sexual minorities and heterosexuals.

Keywords: Gay, Smoking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have long conducted research regarding stress and health among sexual minority persons, and currently lead a large, NIH-funded sutdy titled, "Minority Stress and Mental Health among Same-Sex Couples."
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.