Examining pathways between structural stigma and tobacco use: a comparison among young adults living in the United States by sexual orientation and gender identity.

BACKGROUND

Sexual and gender minority young adult (SGM YA) populations use tobacco at higher rates than their non-SGM YA peers. Prior studies have identified significant correlations between interpersonal stigma and tobacco use, yet structural stigma may also influence tobacco use among SGM YA. This study aimed to assess the indirect effects of structural stigma on current tobacco use among SGM YA and non-SGM YA via depletion of economic resources, interpersonal discrimination, and perceived psychological stress.

METHODS

Structural Equation Modeling was used to conduct a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional parent study. Eligible participants were 18-35 years old and currently residing in the U.S. (N = 2,649). Current use of combustible cigarettes and nicotine vapes was our dependent variable. Our independent variable of interest, structural stigma, was a latent variable comprised of three state-level indicator items: Attitudes toward SGM people, SGM protective policies (absence of), and SGM discriminatory policies (introduced or passed in 2022). We assessed three mediators of interest: Depletion of economic resources was a latent variable, which included two indicator items: food insecurity and financial strain. Interpersonal discrimination and perceptions of psychological stress were also assessed. Covariates included race/ethnicity, age, and educational attainment.

RESULTS

Structural stigma was indirectly associated with current tobacco use via depletion of economic resources for SGM YA, but not non-SGM YA. Structural stigma was not indirectly associated with current tobacco use via interpersonal discrimination or psychological stress for either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Future tobacco intervention research should consider the role of structural stigma when working with SGM YA; specifically, how interventions promoting economic stability may influence tobacco use and cessation in this population.