INTRODUCTION:
Gender and racial inequalities in access to and utilization of health services are shaped by multiple factors, including professional practices and the availability of targeted care strategies1. Effective procedures for welcoming patients and identifying the specific needs of these populations are essential to ensure quality care1. However, the intersection between race/ethnicity, gender, and tobacco use remains underexplored in Latin America, including Brazil.

OBJECTIVE:
To analyze population data on tobacco, use in Brazil, categorized by race and gender, and to examine access to Primary Health Care (PHC) services1,2. Additionally, to map the existing literature on the intersections of race, gender, and access of LGBTQIA+ populations to PHC services.

METHODS:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using data from the 2023 Vigitel survey3, considering variables related to tobacco use, race, gender, and access to health services. The quantitative analysis was complemented by a narrative literature review on healthcare access among LGBTQIA+ populations and racial intersections.

RESULTS:
The prevalence of adult smokers was 9.3% (11.7% among men and 7.2% among women). The use of electronic cigarettes was reported by 2.1% of participants (2.9% men and 1.4% women), despite their illegal marketing in Brazil. Regarding self-rated health, 6.0% reported a poor condition; hypertension (27.9%) and diabetes (10.2%) were the most frequently reported chronic diseases. Notably, 72.9% of individuals living below the poverty line self-identified as Black, revealing an overlap between socioeconomic and racial vulnerabilities that may limit access to smoking cessation and harm reduction strategies.

CONCLUSIONS:
The inclusion of race, gender, and sexual orientation dimensions in epidemiological studies and public policies is essential for promoting equitable care strategies that incorporate cessation and harm reduction approaches with sensitivity to social and cultural contexts. Policies grounded in social justice, diversity, and comprehensive care are crucial to reducing historical inequalities.