(PS1-B39) Moderators of the Link Between Internalized Homophobia and Cigarette Use Among Sexual Minority Men of Color

Sexual minority men (SMM) are more likely to be current smokers compared to their heterosexual counterpart. SMM of color are at elevated risk due to racism and homophobia. Consistent with previous literature, we hypothesized that internalized homophobia (IHP) would be positively linked to cigarette use. We hypothesized this link would be moderated by internalized racism (AROS), such that higher levels of internalized racism would catalyze the positive links between these two constructs. Additionally, we hypothesize that ethnic identity acceptance (MEIM-R) to dampen the association of IHP and cigarette use. As part of a larger study, we collected data from 167 SMM of color participants (Black and/or Latinx; Mage = 23.65, SD = 3.88) via an online survey across the U.S. Demographics, internalized homophobia (IHP), internalized racism (AROS), ethnic identity acceptance (MEIM-R), and daily cigarette use were measured. We ran a Poisson regression analyses to determine whether AROS and/or MEIM-R would moderate the relation between IHP and daily cigarette use. After winsorizing one extreme cigarette use outlier, the Poisson regression revealed that the association between IHP and daily cigarette use was significantly moderated by AROS (OR = 1.002, SE = 1.002, [95% CI = 1.001, 1.002], p < .001. An analysis of simple slopes showed that IHP was associated with decreased daily cigarette use at one SD below the mean of AROS (OR = .975, [CI = .956, .994], p = .011). The association between IHP and daily cigarette use was significantly moderated by MEIM-R (OR = .971, SE = .006, [95% CI = .961, .982], p < .001). An analysis of simple slopes revealed that IHP was associated with lower daily cigarette use at one SD above the mean of MEIM-R (OR = .964, SE = .011, [95% CI = .943, .984], p < .001. At one SD below the mean of MEIM-R, IHP was associated with greater cigarette use (OR = 1.024, SE = .008, [95% CI = 1.008, 1.039], p = .002). The first hypothesis was partly supported, where low AROS buffered the relation between IHP and daily cigarette use The second hypothesis was supported, where MEIM-R served as a protective factor for the relation between IHP and daily cigarette use. These findings provide insight on how to support the development of smoking prevention campaigns and interventions tailored to SMM of color. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinicians may want to incorporate techniques that address reducing internalized racism and embracing cultural identity among SMM of color clients in order to decrease or quit smoking.