Cigarette smoking and lesbian and bisexual women in the Bronx

This study investigated the prevalence of cigarette smoking, smoking patterns, and smoking cessation efforts of Black and Hispanic lesbian and bisexual women from a poor, urban community. One-on-one interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 130 self-identified Black and Hispanic lesbian and bisexual women from the Bronx, NY. Bivariate statistics were used to determine differences between Black and Hispanic respondents in smoking prevalence, frequency, desire to quit, and impact on family unit. Fifty-five percent of Black respondents and sixty-two percent of Hispanic respondents were current smokers. Hispanics were more likely than Blacks to have a partner (p < 0.04), 2 or more children (p < 0.05), and an asthmatic in their household (p < 0.02). Hispanics were less likely than Blacks to have ever attempted to quit (p < 0.04) and to have made a serious attempt to quit in the past year (p < 0.02). Culturally sensitive interventions are needed to help Hispanic lesbian and bisexual women move from the pre-contemplative to action stage of quitting. The large proportion of current smokers requires greater access to effective smoking cessation tools.