Abstract
Objective
We hypothesized that smoking rates among the Gay and Lesbian Community (GLC) in Ireland are not significantly different from the general Irish population.
Methods
A convenience sampling of self-identified GLC was recruited using electronic (n = 700) and print (n = 500) media procedures in response to survey call advertisements (December 2006–March 2007). In all, 1,113 had complete smoking data and were analyzed. Data on a random sample of 4,000 individuals, using the Irish Office of Tobacco Control monthly telephone survey, were analyzed for the same period.
Results
Adjusted smoking rates in GLC were 26 and 24.6% in the general Irish population (P = 0.99), while “heavy” (≥20 cigarettes/day) smoking prevalence was 44.1 and 36.6%, respectively (P = 0.02). Upper SES GLCs are “heavy” smokers compared with general population of similar SES group (P = 0.01).
Conclusion
When considering two different sampling methodologies, this study suggests that smoking rates among the GLC in Ireland are not significantly different from the general Irish population.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Stevens P, Carlson LM, Hinman JM (2004) An analysis of tobacco industry marketing to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations: strategies for mainstream tobacco control and prevention. Health Promot Pract 5(3 Suppl):129S–134S
Goebel K (1994) Lesbian and gays face tobacco targeting. Tob Control 3:65–67
Tang H, Greenwood GL, Cowling DW, Lloyd JC, Roeseler AG, Bal DG (2004) Cigarette smoking among lesbians, gays, and bisexuals: how serious a problem? (United States). Cancer Causes Control 15:797–803
King M, Nazareth I (2006) The health of people classified as lesbian, gay and bisexual attending family practitioners in London: a controlled study. BMC Public Health 6:127
Gruskin EP, Hart S, Gordon N, Ackerson L (2001) Patterns of cigarette smoking and alcohol use among lesbians and bisexual women enrolled in a large health maintenance organization. Am J Public Health 91:976–979
Dibble SL, Roberts A, Nussey B (2004) Comparing breast cancer risk between lesbians and their heterosexual sisters. Womens Health Issues 14:60–68
Morgan K, McGee H, Watson D, et al. (2008) SLAN 2007: survey of lifestyle, attitudes and nutrition in Ireland: main report. Department of Health and Children, Dublin
Strong K, Guthold R, Yang J, Lee D, Petit P, Fitzpatrick C (2008) Tobacco use in the European region. Eur J Cancer Prev 17:162–168
Kilmer G, Roberts H, Hughes E et al (2008) Surveillance of certain health behaviors and conditions among states and selected local areas—behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS), United States, 2006. MMWR Surveill Summ 57:1–188
Gruskin EP, Gordon N (2006) Gay/Lesbian sexual orientation increases risk for cigarette smoking and heavy drinking among members of a large Northern California health plan. BMC Public Health 6:241
Ryan H, Wortley PM, Easton A, Pederson L, Greenwood G (2001) Smoking among lesbians, gays, and bisexuals: a review of the literature. Am J Prev Med 21:142–149
The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC), Ireland. Available at: http://www.otc.ie/research.asp (Accessed on 31 March 2008)
Greenwood GL, Paul JP, Pollack LM et al (2005) Tobacco use and cessation among a household-based sample of US urban men who have sex with men. Am J Public Health 95:145–151
Pickett KE, Rathouz PJ, Kasza K, Wakschlag LS, Wright R (2005) Self-reported smoking, cotinine levels, and patterns of smoking in pregnancy. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 19:368–376
Acknowledgments
Department of Health and Children; Office of Tobacco Control; Royal City Dublin Hospital Trust (all based in the Republic of Ireland) and Out Now Consulting Agent for technical support.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kabir, Z., Keogan, S., Clarke, V. et al. Smoking profile among the Gay and Lesbian Community in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 179, 423–426 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0391-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0391-8