The Impacts of Minority Stress and Depression on Smoking and Problematic Drinking Among Women of Sexual Minority During Early Adulthood: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing smoking and problematic drinking among Korean sexual minority women in early adulthood. Methods: Data were collected via an online survey of 135 participants on December 10-11, 2024. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS/WIN 27.0, including descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Fisher's exact tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of smoking was 24.4%, and that of problematic drinking was 35.6%. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant factors associated with smoking to be stigmatization, internalized homophobia, and experiences of homophobic victimization. Factors influencing problematic drinking were disclosure of sexual orientation, depression, stigmatization, internalized homophobia, and experiences of homophobic victimization. Conclusion: Minority stress and depression significantly influenced smoking and problematic drinking among women of sexual minority. These findings need to be considered when developing targeted interventions addressing alcohol consumption and smoking in such a population.