At a time when smoking rates in the general population are falling, evidence is mounting that smoking is a behaviour that is increasingly concentrated in marginalised groups. Studies such as the 2006 WA Lesbian and Bisexual Women’s Health and Well Being Survey, conducted by the WA Centre for Health Promotion Research (WACHPR) based at Curtin University, have identified that 28% of lesbian/bisexual women smoke, a rate which is almost double the wider community average.
Following up on the data from the study, Jude Comfort from the School of Public Health at Curtin is undertaking a PhD entitled ‘Health Related Behaviours of Marginalised Groups:Why Do Lesbians Smoke?’.
Given that there is sufficient empirical evidence demonstrating that there are higher than average smoking rates amongst lesbian women, Comfort’s research is qualitative in nature. Through talking to smokers/recent ex smokers, the research project will endeavour to articulate the reasons behind the higher rates.
Ms Comfort told OUTinPerth, ‘I think it’s valuable to feed some of this information back to the community, so that we know our own health status and aren’t reliant on myths of what might be out there. But secondly I’d really like to see my research move into some action, that might inform, say, where some of the national tobacco strategies going and how it handles the differentials in smoking rates. And maybe that will end up flowing through to some – not necessarily targeted – campaigns. I’m not sure that that’s what we need – that’s one question I’ll be exploring, but certainly campaigns that are more inclusive of lesbian and bisexual women.’
If you or someone you know would be interested in the project, Jude Comfort can be contacted on 9266 2365, 0422 654 244 or via j.comfort@curtin.edu.au
