Background: Current research suggests that flavored tobacco use is considerably high among the LGBTQ population. The purpose of this study is to assess community knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding tobacco and health as well as the adoption of ordinances to prohibit or restrict the sale and distribution of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes within one jurisdiction in Los Angeles County.

Method: A public intercept survey was conducted during events with large LGBTQ in attendance such as Pride festivals within Los Angeles County. The survey instrument consisted of 12 questions related to knowledge (3) questions related to tobacco and health, attitude/belief (7) questions about policies that prohibit or restrict the sale and distribution of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, and behavior (2) question related to smoking behavior. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis.

Results: A convenience sample of 464 participants fully completed the survey. Results showed differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors on smoking and health among the LGBTQ population in LA County by gender, sexual orientation and age. Results also showed lack of knowledge among the LGBTQ population, and lack of support for tobacco policies that restrict the sale and distribution of flavored tobacco products. Furthermore, the LGBTQ population was significantly more likely to be current smokers compared to their heterosexual counterpart.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that efforts to reduce flavored tobacco use may have the potential to reduce tobacco use and tobacco diseases and death among LGBTQ population particularly when interventions are tailored to specific age and gender groups. Targeted efforts to educate the LGBTQ population about the positive impact of implementing policies driven systems change interventions that focus on flavored tobacco are imperative. Finally, more research is needed that investigate the psychological, social and cultural factors underlying LGBTQ smoking behavior.