Disparities in Transitions From E-cigarette Use to Other Tobacco Use Patterns Among Sexual Minority Versus Heterosexual Women and Men in the United States

Authors

Katelyn F. Romm, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Carla J. Berg, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

3-13-2024

Journal

Substance use & addiction journal

DOI

10.1177/29767342241232763

Keywords

e-cigarette use; sexual and gender minorities; tobacco use; young adult

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite elevated rates of e-cigarette use among sexual minority versus heterosexual young adults, limited research has examined sexual identity in relation to transitions from e-cigarette use to other tobacco use patterns. METHODS: We analyzed data from 608 US young adults in a 2-year study (2018-2020) who reported using e-cigarettes in the past 6 months (time period between assessments) but no other tobacco product at baseline (Fall 2018). Multinomial logistic regressions among women and men, separately, examined associations between sexual identity and past 6-month tobacco use in Fall 2020 (nonuse [referent group] vs e-cigarette only, other tobacco product only, e-cigarette and other tobacco product dual use), controlling for age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Among women (n = 340; mean [] = 23.42; n = 147 [43.4%] sexual minority; 29.4% racial/ethnic minority), 34.4% reported nonuse at follow-up, 26.8% e-cigarette only, 10.3% other tobacco product only, and 28.5% e-cigarette and other tobacco product dual use. Sexual minority (vs heterosexual) women displayed greater odds of e-cigarette-only use, as well as dual use relative to nonuse at follow-up. Among men (n = 244;  = 24.30; n = 51 [20.9%] sexual minority; 36.1% racial/ethnic minority), 25.4% reported no use, 20.9% e-cigarette only, 17.2% other tobacco product only, and 36.5% dual use at follow-up. Sexual minority (vs heterosexual) men displayed lower odds of e-cigarette only, other tobacco product only, and dual use relative to nonuse at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Research is needed to assess and intervene on tobacco/nicotine product perceptions (eg, harm, social acceptability) and reasons for use (eg, mood regulation) associated with high-risk tobacco use patterns and trajectories, particularly among sexual minority young adult women who may have distinct profiles and risks associated with use.

APA Citation

Romm, Katelyn F. and Berg, Carla J., "Disparities in Transitions From E-cigarette Use to Other Tobacco Use Patterns Among Sexual Minority Versus Heterosexual Women and Men in the United States" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 4533.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/4533

Department

Prevention and Community Health