Alcohol and Tobacco Use Among Women Who Have Sex With Women

Evidence suggests that women who report same-sex partners may be at particular risk for experiencing negative health effects from alcohol and tobacco use. Using data pooled from the results of the 2008–2013 New York City Community Health Survey, this study used multiple regression analyses to examine the predictability of annual household income, age, race, and history of depression on frequency and quantity of alcohol and tobacco use within a total sample of women who have sex with women (WSW). Age and history of depression were statistically significant predictors of alcohol use in WSW, and race was a statistically significant predictor of tobacco use with non-Hispanic White respondents.Results of this study provide greatly needed insight into possible risk factors for alcohol and tobacco use among a significantly understudied population. Results also provide strong encouragement for counselors to inquire about sex and sexuality regardless of client self-identified sexual orientation.