Tobacco Cessation for Sexual Minorities

There is a growing body of evidence revealing disproportionately higher rates of tobacco use
among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, compared to their heterosexual peers.
These disparities have led organizations to support the inclusion of SGM in all local, state,
and national tobacco prevention and control activities. In an attempt to leverage the online
milieu for health-related interventions, mobile apps have been created to support tobacco
cessation. However, evidence-based apps promoted by the National Cancer Institute are
unpopular, remain poorly supported, and were not studied for use by SGM persons. Commercial
apps, on the other hand, have been downloaded millions of times, contain many valuable
features, and enjoy better infrastructure. Unfortunately, they are not evidence-based and
have not been rigorously tested.

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is currently conducting a randomized controlled trial to
assess the feasibility and efficacy of using the Kwit tobacco cessation app with patients at
UPMC Montefiore and Presbyterian hospitals (PI: Chu). It is a pragmatic clinical trial
applying a patient-centered outcomes framework to ensure that—rather than focusing only on
successful cessation—the study includes measurements for quality of life, mobility, and
social interactions. We propose to extend the study to underrepresented SGM young adults.

Survey measures will be adapted as needed to address issues specific to the SGM population.