Despite smoking rates continuing to fall across the UK, there are still groups where prevalence rates remain stubbornly high – and in particular amongst those in the LGBTQ+ community.
- LGBTQ+ PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO SMOKE THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION
- MAJORITY OF THIS COMMUNITY SAY THEY ARE EITHER A REGULAR, CASUAL, OR FORMER SMOKER
- NEW REPORT SUGGESTS HIGH PREVALENCE RATES COULD LINK TO INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH VULNERABILITY
CULTURE OF ACCEPTANCE
The research also indicates that while their identity does not necessarily start them on the road to becoming a smoker, it does keep them on it. There is a perception that there are more triggers to sustain a smoking habit as an LGBTQ+ person because of a culture of acceptance and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a group. There are also fewer clear incentives to quit, such as targeted support and campaigns that authentically reflect the community.
Qualitative research finds that LGBTQ+ people are also more vulnerable to mental health issues as a group in society and the report suggests many use smoking as a coping mechanism. Yet, three quarters (74%) do recognise that cigarettes are harmful to their physical health, and two fifths (41%) say cigarettes are harmful to their mental health.
Half (50%) agreed that smoking played a significant part in the LGBT+ community and almost a third (31%) agreed that smoking to them was seen as a rebellious act that helped enforce their LGBTQ+ identity. The report also shows that men in this community are more likely to be a regular smoker while women are more often casual smokers, 49% v 31%.
“The fact that smoking as a health issue disproportionately affects queer people is not new information. Public bodies and charities have long documented that smoking rates are higher in the LGBTQ+ community when compared to the general population. But highlighting prevalence is where the conversation typically ends. Very little has been done to move the conversation on. To ask the question, ‘why’? This report, the first insight published by Queer Voices Heard, aims to move that conversation forward. To listen to the voices of those in our community who have been affected by smoking, and to start a meaningful conversation about how we can reduce this health inequality.”
SOCIAL SMOKING
Nearly a third (34%) of current LGBTQ+ smoker’s that took part in the research say they hide the fact that they smoke on their social media accounts. And when it comes to dating profiles, many (28%) fear being rejected if they reveal their habit too early.
The research found that in the majority of cases, LGBTQ+ people are ignored in campaigns on smoking cessation and inundated when it comes to sexual health. In fact, the report finds that nearly half (48%) of LGBTQ+ smokers do not see smoking cessation campaigns that target or relate to them. And while many understand and support them, seven in ten (73%) felt that campaigns directed at the community seem to only focus on sexual health.
“We know that those who identify as LGBT+ are much more likely to smoke cigarettes than the general population. But until this report was compiled there has been a lack of research into why this is the case, what can be done to provide much needed support, and who needs to be part of the conversation. This report suggests that many LGBT+ people start smoking in similar circumstances to the general population, but it highlights that smokers in the LGBT+ community have many more triggers to sustain smoking than there are triggers to stop. The reasons for this are complex but considering that members of the LGBT+ community are more prone to stress, anxiety and generally poorer mental health and depression, self-medication using nicotine or other substances is commonplace and unsurprising.
THE FUTURE
The research found that 86% of respondents who were casual or regular smokers stated they want to quit, with 40% of those wanting to quit in the next six months. This indicates an opportunity for both the community, and those that are committed to reducing smoking rates, to work together to agree a way forward that supports those individuals who are wanting to quit.
Peter Nixon, Managing Director Philip Morris Limited comments:
“We sponsored this important piece of research to uncover what has driven the high smoking prevalence rate we know exists in the LGBT community. This is the first time the community has been encouraged to specifically discuss smoking as a health issue, and I am pleased that the community has had the opportunity to be clear about what they believe should be done to address and tackle it.”