Work

Patterns of cigarette smoking and alcohol use among lesbians and bisexual women enrolled in a large health maintenance organization

Year: 2001

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study compared the prevalence of cigarette smoking and alcohol use among lesbians and bisexual women with that among heterosexual women. METHODS: Logistic regression models were created with data from an extensive member health survey at a large health maintenance organization. Sexual orientation was the primary predictor, and alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking were outcomes. RESULTS: Lesbians and bisexual women younger than 50 years were more likely than heterosexual women to smoke cigarettes and drink heavily. Lesbians and bisexual women aged 20 to 34 reported higher weekly alcohol consumption and less abstinence compared with heterosexual women and older lesbians and bisexual women. CONCLUSIONS: Lesbians and bisexual women aged 20 to 34 years are at risk for alcohol use and cigarette smoking.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.91.6.976

Authors: E P Gruskin, S Hart, N Gordon, L Ackerson

Institution: Kaiser Permanente

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, Kaiser Permanente, Lesbian Health Fund