Focused Research to Enhance Social Health Among Individuals in the Rainbow

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans individuals have higher incidence of smoking than the general population. However, little research exists to examine the reasons for this disparity. FRESH AIR aims to understand the theory-based predictors of tobacco use, as well as other health behaviors, including diet and physical activity, among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer adults. The project will involve a national online sample as well as a Houston-based sample. For the Houston-based sample, we will collect additional health markers, such as salivary cortisol, body mass index, and blood pressure.

This project is led by Nathan Grant Smith and Lorraine R. Reitzel (co-PIs) with collaboration from Ezemenari Obasi.