Neurodivergence, Minority Stress, and Tobacco Use in a Sample of US Sexual and Gender Minoritized Young Adults.

BACKGROUND

Minority stress is related to tobacco use inequities among sexual and gender minoritized young adults (SGM YAs). Neurodivergent SGM YAs may experience greater minority stress (from dual-minoritized identities) and tobacco use.

METHODS

A 2023 survey assessed neurodivergence (defined as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] or a learning-related condition), minority stressors (mental health symptoms, internalized SGM stigma, SGM community connectedness), and tobacco use (past-month cigarette, e-cigarette, any tobacco product use; number of products used) among SGM YAs (aged 18-34) in the United States. Multivariable regression examined associations of neurodivergence with minority stressors and tobacco use.

RESULTS

Among SGM YAs (N = 1115; Mage = 25.34 [SD = 4.84]; 65.2% bisexual+, 29.5% monosexual, 4.8% another identity; 52.2% cisgender women, 29.8% cisgender men, 17.2% gender minority), 36.1% reported neurodivergence, 23.4% reported current cigarette use, 30.0% e-cigarette use, and 40.4% any tobacco use. On average, participants reporting current tobacco use used 2 to 3 products (M = 2.06 [SD = 1.25]). Neurodivergence was associated with higher odds of experiencing mental health symptoms (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.19-1.95]), cigarette use (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.07-2.05]), e-cigarette use (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.35-2.42]), and any tobacco product use (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.23-2.17]). Mental health symptoms were associated with cigarette (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.19-2.25]), e-cigarette (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.19-2.11]), and any tobacco product use (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.13-1.96]).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurodivergent SGM YAs (vs those without ADHD or learning-related conditions) may have greater risk for mental health symptoms and related tobacco use, underscoring the need for appropriate and culturally competent mental healthcare to reduce tobacco use.