Understanding pathways to e-cigarette use across sexual identity: A multi-group structural equation model

This study explored the relationships between sexual violence, smoking behaviors, suicidality and past 30-day e-cigarette use under the theoretical framework of Minority Stress Theory. The 2017 National Youth Risk Behavioral Survey was utilized to study a nationally representative sample of sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and unsure) and heterosexual high school students (N = 7882). Multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine whether sexual violence and suicidality had a direct effect on e-cigarette use, after controlling for prior smoking behaviors (cigarette, cigar, and marijuana use). Suicidality and smoking behaviors were examined as mediators of the relationship between sexual violence and e-cigarette use, and suicidality was examined as a mediator of the relationship between sexual violence and smoking behaviors. This model was tested for invariance across sexual minority and heterosexual students. For both groups, smoking behaviors had significant direct effects on e-cigarette use, yet suicidality revealed no significant direct effects. Both suicidality and sexual violence had significant indirect effects on e-cigarette use through their effects on smoking behaviors. Sexual violence had a significant direct effect on e-cigarette use for sexual minority students, but not for heterosexual students. Despite this notable difference, the model was found to be invariant across the two groups. These findings suggest that students who report sexual violence may experience suicidality and victimization may lead to smoking behaviors and e-cigarette use. Students’ mental health and substance use behaviors should continue to be targeted in schools, particularly among sexual minority youths.