%0 Journal Article
%T Results from a Community-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment Program for LGBT Smokers
%A Alicia K. Matthews
%A Chien-Ching Li
%A Lisa M. Kuhns
%A Timothy B. Tasker
%A John A. Cesario
%J Journal of Environmental and Public Health
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/984508
%X Introduction. Little is known about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people¡¯s response to smoking cessation interventions. This descriptive study examined the benefits of a community-based, culturally tailored smoking cessation treatment program for LGBT smokers. Methods. A total of LGBT individuals recruited from clinical practice and community outreach participated in group-based treatment. Sessions were based on the American Lung Association¡¯s ¡°Freedom from Smoking Program¡± (ALA-FFS) and were tailored to LGBT smokers¡¯ needs. Seven-day smoking point prevalence abstinence served as the primary outcome. Results. Participants ( age£¿=£¿40.5) were mostly White (70.4%) and male (60.5%) and had at least a college degree (58.4%). Forty-four percent scored in the moderate range on the Fagerstr£¿m Test for Nicotine Dependence pretreatment, and 42.4% completed treatment ( 75% sessions). Higher educational attainment and use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were associated with treatment completion. Self-reported quit rates were 32.3% at posttreatment assessment. Treatment attendance (OR£¿=£¿2.45), use of NRT (OR£¿=£¿4.24), and lower nicotine dependency (OR£¿=£¿0.73) were positively associated with quitting smoking. Conclusions. Results suggest the benefits of offering LGBT smokers culturally tailored smoking cessation treatments. Future research could improve outcomes by encouraging treatment attendance and promoting NRT uptake. 1. Introduction Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities have been identified as a population group at elevated risk for smoking-related health disparities [1, 2]. For example, results from national samples of LGBT persons consistently demonstrate disparate rates of tobacco use, with prevalence rates of smoking roughly twice those of heterosexuals [2¨C5]. A recent study found that tobacco use contributes to the greater than expected rates of acute respiratory illnesses among LGBT young adults compared to a heterosexual comparison group [1]. Furthermore, LGBT persons have higher than expected prevalence of risk factors (e.g., heavy drinking) for diseases associated with or exacerbated by smoking (e.g., heart disease, HIV infection, and lung cancer) [6¨C8]. As such, tobacco prevention and control have emerged as a significant priority for researchers, policy makers, and national organizations focused on LGBT concerns. Yet, best practices for smoking cessation among LGBT populations are glaringly absent because of the lack of empirical research [9, 10]. Testing innovations developed by community
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2013/984508/