Adolescent same-sex and both-sex romantic attractions and relationships: Implications for smoking

Citation

Easton, Alyssa; Jackson, Kat; & Mowery, Paul (2008). Adolescent same-sex and both-sex romantic attractions and relationships: Implications for smoking. American Journal of Public Health. vol. 98 (3) pp. 462-467 , PMCID: PMC2253579

Abstract

Objectives. We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between smoking and romantic attractions and relationships.

Methods. We used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to assess associations of smoking at Waves I and II with same-sex, both-sex, and opposite-sex romantic attractions or relationships as determined at Wave I. We used logistic regression to predict smoking at Wave II by sexual orientation.

Results. Both adolescent boys and adolescent girls with both-sex attractions or relationships were significantly more likely than those with opposite-sex attractions or relationships to be current smokers. Adolescent boys and girls with both-sex attractions or relationships who were nonsmokers at Wave I were more likely to be current smokers at Wave II than those with opposite-sex attractions or relationships.

Conclusions. Our findings support previous research on smoking among youths who report same-sex or both-sex romantic attractions or relationships and demonstrate the increased risk bisexual youths have for smoking initiation and smoking prevalence. Tobacco use prevention programs targeting gay and bisexual youths are warranted, particularly among adolescent girls and boys who have had both-sex romantic attractions or relationships.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2006.097980

Keyword(s)

Romantic

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

American Journal of Public Health

Author(s)

Easton, Alyssa
Jackson, Kat
Mowery, Paul

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

98

Issue Number

3

Pages

462-467

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2006.097980

PMCID

PMC2253579

Reference ID

887