Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of cigarette, e-cigarette, and dual use during the third trimester of pregnancy in a national sample of heterosexual and sexual minority women. The study aims to address the gap in research regarding e-cigarette use among pregnant sexual minority individuals in the US.
Key Points:
* The study used two waves of national panel data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, with a sample of 1,842 women, including 237 sexual minorities.
* Covariates included race, ethnicity, past year income, and education.
* Cigarette, e-cigarette, or dual use was examined during the last trimester.
* Sexual minorities had higher adjusted odds of cigarette use during their last trimester of pregnancy relative to heterosexual women.
* Bisexual women had higher odds of smoking cigarettes during their third trimester compared to heterosexual women.
* Lesbian women were more likely to use e-cigarettes/e-products and indicate dual use during their third trimester of pregnancy compared to heterosexual women.
* Increased awareness and education about e-cigarette use during pregnancy are needed, particularly for sexual minority women.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering sexual orientation in research on tobacco and e-cigarette use during pregnancy. The findings suggest that sexual minority women, particularly bisexual and lesbian women, are at higher risk for cigarette and e-cigarette use during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should be aware of these disparities and provide appropriate support and resources to promote cessation and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Citation
Beck DC, Veliz PT, McCabe SE, Boyd CJ, Evans-Polce R. Cigarette, e-cigarette, and dual use during the third trimester of pregnancy in a national sample of heterosexual and sexual minority women. The American journal on addictions. 2021;30(6):593-600. doi:10.1111/ajad.13217
