INTRODUCTION:
conventional cigarette use and e-cigarette consumption remain major preventable causes of morbidity in the united states, yet patterns of use differ across demographic groups. previous research shows that lgbtq+ populations and women experience higher stress exposure and targeted tobacco marketing, but limited scholarship has examined how these factors jointly shape transitions between combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes. this project investigates how gender and sexual orientation influence smoking behaviors, motivations for use, and cessation patterns to clarify population-specific public health needs.

METHODS:
we analyzed nationally representative survey data and conducted subgroup comparisons assessing frequency of use, cessation attempts, and perceived barriers to quitting. quantitative analyses evaluated demographic differences in initiation, reasons for switching to e-cigarettes, and the likelihood of reducing or discontinuing tobacco use. qualitative responses were reviewed to contextualize behavioral patterns within social and structural stressors, including stigma, discrimination, and unequal access to cessation resources.

RESULTS:
meaningful variation was observed across groups. lgbtq+ respondents reported higher dual-use patterns and greater stress-related motivations for smoking than heterosexual respondents. women more often cited coping and social reinforcement as primary drivers of use, whereas men more often cited habit formation and nicotine dependence. e-cigarette adoption did not reliably predict cessation. instead, its function varied by subgroup, with some respondents using vaping as a harm-reduction strategy and others as a supplement rather than a replacement for conventional cigarettes.

CONCLUSIONS:
findings indicate the need for culturally tailored cessation interventions that account for divergent motivations, stress exposures, and behavioral trajectories across gender and sexual orientation. these results highlight the importance of designing public health strategies that align with the lived experiences of diverse communities. at ncur, this work will be presented in the context of developing targeted prevention and intervention approaches to reduce tobacco-related disparities.