LGBQ Identity and E-cigarette Dependence Among Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction: E-cigarette use is most prevalent among young adults (18-25-year-olds) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) people when compared to other age groups and heterosexual people. This study examined the relationship between LGBQ identity and e-cigarette dependence in LGBQ young adults. Methods: Using the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS) subscales to assess LGBQ identity and the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PSECDI) to assess dependence, different aspects of LGBQ identity were measured and analyzed using multiple linear regression to reveal their association with e-cigarette dependence in a sample (N=242) of LGBQ young adults who vaped and owned an e-cigarette at the time of the study. The study was cross-sectional, and responses were recorded via an online survey. Results: Identity Superiority was found to be significantly and positively associated with dependence (β = .227, p = .017), and Identity Centrality was found to be significantly and negatively associated with dependence (β = -.320, p = .005). The other LGBIS subscales were not found to be significantly associated with dependence. Conclusions: This study was the first to use the LGBIS and the PSECDI in conjunction to analyze e-cigarette dependence and LGBQ identity among young adult LGBQ people. It identified two aspects of LGBQ identity that were significantly associated with dependence.