WASHINGTON - The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) has released a national survey to assess behavior and attitudes around tobacco use by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex (LGBTQI) young adults ages 18-24. Data collected will be made public and used to make programmatic and policy recommendations on a national and regional level.
"It's no surprise to anyone working with LGBTQI youth that they use tobacco at a higher rate than the general population," said Kristen Degan, coordinator of NYAC's tobacco project. "When this survey is finished we'll have the data to show this health disparity in our communities at a national level and provide evidence-based recommendations for addressing this overlooked health crisis."
Electronic and paper surveys, made possible with funding from the American Legacy Foundation, will be available in LGBT community centers, Departments of Health and student groups. Every young adult who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win gift cards worth between $50 and $150. Organizations interested in being a survey site should contact NYAC, who will contribute $125 to the first 50 organizations that sign up to participate.
"NYAC remains committed to assisting local organizations in their efforts to combat tobacco use," said Gregory Varnum, executive director of NYAC. "This survey will be an important tool in helping these organizations effectively gear their programs towards today's youth."
The survey, developed by an advisory group of LGBTQI youth-service providers and tobacco control specialists, will also collect rich demographic and social network information that does not exist in any other nationwide surveys.
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition is a national social justice organization working with LGBTQ young people to strengthen the role of young people in the LGBTQ rights movement through capacity building, advocacy and youth engagement programs. For more information on NYAC and the tobacco survey, visit www.nyacyouth.org or call 800.541.6922.
