San Francisco, CA - UCSF researchers recently launched a study to evaluate the use of the Internet as a method to provide assistance to quit smoking to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cigarette smokers. (http://iquit.medschool.ucsf.edu).

"The LGBT community has a higher rate of smoking than the general population," said Principal Investigator Dr. Gary Humfleet of UCSF's Department of Psychiatry. "This is the first test anywhere of an Internet-based treatment program designed specifically for LGBT smokers. We are extremely excited to test promising new resources for improving our community's health."

The study is unique in offering participants cessation services that are highly convenient and private. LGBTs can access the site's resources any time of day, from multiple locations, and their participation is kept confidential.

Co-Investigator Dr. Greg Greenwood of the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies said being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is still stigmatized in many parts of this country and the world. "We think that the anonymity of the Internet will appeal to LGBT smokers from all parts of the country who otherwise wouldn't seek or have access to needed services."

Investigators will compare two web-based smoking treatments: one that provides general cessation information that has been helpful in a variety of smoking treatment programs, another that includes the general information plus information and support designed specifically for an LGBT audience. Smokers who volunteer will be randomly assigned to participate in one or the other. Researchers hope to enroll 600 participants over the course of a year. The goal of the study is to determine if either treatment results in more frequent use of the website, more attempts to quit smoking, or higher quit rates.

Background
According to Humfleet and Greenwood, several recent studies have shown that LGBT youth and adults have higher rates of smoking than straight youth and adults. The most notable studies include the following:

• A 2001 California study found that 33% of gay men and 25% of lesbians smoke54% and 66% higher than other men and women, respectively.
• A 1999 study of men in four urban areas showed that smoking rates among gay/bi men were higher (31.4%) compared to straight men (24.7%).
• A 1996 California study of women found that lesbian/bi women were twice as likely to smoke as straight women.
• A 1995 study of Massachusetts youth found that LGB-identified students (59.3%) smoked more than the straight students (35.2%).

In addition, tobacco companies have encouraged LGBTs to keep smoking by:

• Conducting market research aimed at LGBT community;
• Placing ads in popular LGBT magazines;
• Promoting cigarettes at LGBT bars and clubs; and,
• Donating to HIV/AIDS organizations.