Gender differences in tobacco use among U.S. Special Olympics athletes

The rise in women's tobacco use and subsequent health complications has generated an increase in gender-related tobacco use research. However, no research has examined gender's influence on tobacco use among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

To examine 1) tobacco use prevalence rates among men and women with IDD, and 2) correlates of tobacco use among men and women with IDD.

This study examined gender differences in tobacco use among a sample of 3587 adult U.S. Special Olympics athletes who participated in health screenings from 2007 to 2014. The athletes were aged 18-89 (M = 32.86); 55.8% were male. Prevalence rates were calculated for men and women, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine tobacco use's association with age, blood pressure, body mass index, family member tobacco use, and daily fruit and vegetable consumption for each gender.

Women's tobacco use prevalence was 4.1%, and men's was 9.4%. The only variable significantly associated with women's tobacco use was family member use, while men's tobacco use was associated with age, systolic blood pressure, family member tobacco use, and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Results shed light on possible courses of action for reducing tobacco use among women and men with IDD. Further research is needed to develop effective prevention and intervention approaches appropriate for people with IDD.