Abstract
Purpose: LGBTQ+ young adults are disproportionately affected by tobacco use and associated health conditions. A culturally tailored intervention may improve smoking cessation with this priority population. We conducted focus groups to inform development of a social media intervention to help LGBTQ+ young adults quit smoking. Methods: We conducted two focus groups with LGBTQ+ young adults (N = 27) throughout the United States in a Facebook secret group online setting. An online survey characterized tobacco and other substance use. Questions posed to focus group participants addressed patterns and contexts of smoking, LGBTQ+ identity, and barriers and facilitators to participating in a culturally tailored smoking cessation intervention on social media. Focus group transcripts were coded and analyzed using directed content analysis. Results: Overall, young adults had mixed feelings about linking the identities of LGBTQ+ and smoking, and reflected differences in online and “real life” identities. Participants were generally receptive to a social media smoking cessation intervention with concerns about privacy in sharing their smoking status and LGBTQ+ identities with their online social networks. Gender nonconforming individuals had some unique concerns about Facebook policies. Conclusions: This study highlights important considerations in tailoring a social media intervention for LGBTQ+ young adults. We identified experiences of LGBTQ+ young adults that would support tailoring to a diverse community, and suggestions for how to make smoking cessation programs more appealing to this priority population.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 390-397 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Adolescent Health |
Volume | 64 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2019 |
Keywords
- Cessation
- Focus groups
- Gender minority
- Intervention
- LGBTQ+
- Prevention
- Sexual minority
- Social media
- Tobacco
- Youth and young adults
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Psychiatry and Mental health