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Bold KW, Kong G, O'Malley SS. The Scientific Basis for the Regulation of Flavors in Tobacco Products. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2024; 20:381-406. [PMID: 38346292 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-080921-075624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Effective tobacco policies are important for reducing the harm of tobacco use and can have a broad impact at the population level. This review provides an overview of how clinical science can inform tobacco policies with a focus on policies related to flavored tobacco products, using menthol cigarettes as an illustrative example. Specifically, this review summarizes the role of flavors in tobacco use and the history of regulation of flavored tobacco products by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), provides an overview of clinical research methods used to contribute to the scientific evidence to inform FDA tobacco policies, discusses key findings related to menthol tobacco products using these methods, and proposes future directions for clinical research. As the tobacco marketplace continues to evolve with new products and flavor chemicals, ongoing clinical science will be essential for establishing evidence-based policies to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krysten W Bold
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Grace Kong
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Stephanie S O'Malley
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
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Yang Y, Lindblom EN, Ward KD, Salloum RG. Would banning menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and flavored e-cigarettes prompt users to seek illicit channels for obtaining them in the United States? Prev Med 2024; 183:107954. [PMID: 38621422 PMCID: PMC11088487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Banning flavors in tobacco and nicotine products may reduce youth initiation and prompt quit attempts but such bans may lead to illicit markets. We examined how likely current users would be to seek flavored products from illicit channels under various ban scenarios. METHODS Cross-sectional surveys of 2552 current users of menthol cigarettes or flavored cigars and 2347 users of flavored e-cigarettes were conducted between 2021 and 2022 in the United States. For each ban scenario, respondents reported if they would have intentions to seek the banned flavored products from any illicit channels and identified the specific illicit channel they would consider. Logistic regressions were used to estimate how the likelihood of having intentions to seek illicit channels was associated with demographics, ban scenarios, and status of tobacco use. RESULTS Under various ban scenarios, 24-30% of people who smoked said they would seek illicit channels to obtain the banned products compared with 21-41% of dual users and 35-39% of users of flavored e-cigarettes. Online retailers were favored by people who smoked while users of flavored e-cigarettes favored local retailers. Heavy users were more likely to say they would try illicit channels. Under bans restricting more types of flavored tobacco products, users would be less likely to try illegal channels. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of users of flavored tobacco and nicotine products would not reject using illicit banned products. Tailored programs are needed to apply to the groups with a higher risk of seeking illicit channels for banned products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States of America.
| | - Eric N Lindblom
- O'Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC 20001, United States of America
| | - Kenneth D Ward
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States of America
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White AM, Patev AJ, Imran R, Goden A, Rudy AK, Bajwa H, Guy MC, Hood K, Cobb CO, Barnes AJ. Impact of Smoking Cessation Motivations and Barriers on Quit Intentions Following a Hypothetical Flavor Ban Among African American/Black Individuals Who Use Menthol Cigarettes: A Mixed-Methods Study. Nicotine Tob Res 2024; 26:S121-S132. [PMID: 38817032 PMCID: PMC11140224 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed banning cigarettes and cigars with characterizing flavors-products used disproportionately by African American/black (AA/B) individuals. Little is known about how AA/B individuals who smoke menthol cigarettes will respond to flavor bans or how to amplify the intended benefits. This study explored predictors of quit intentions following a hypothetical flavor ban and further probed anticipated ban-related responses. AIMS AND METHODS We recruited 213 AA/B individuals who use menthol cigarettes from Richmond, VA (September 2021-August 2022) for a mixed-methods study. Participants rated seven motivations for quitting and six barriers to quitting (Not a motivation or challenge[1]-Major motivation or challenge[4]), then reported how likely they were to quit smoking if characterizing flavors were banned in cigarettes and cigars. A subsample of 31 participants completed semi-structured interviews to further explore reactions to flavor restriction policies. RESULTS Multivariable linear regressions suggested that participants who were more motivated to quit smoking because of "information about health hazards" and the "cost of cigarettes" reported higher quit intentions following a hypothetical menthol ban (p < .05). Additionally, those with cessation-related weight concerns reported lower post-ban quit intentions (p < .05). Interview themes highlighted smoking for stress reduction, harm/addiction perceptions of flavored tobacco products, trusted sources of tobacco-related information (including testimonials from people who formerly smoked), potential ban responses, and varying experiences with cessation strategies. CONCLUSIONS Culturally specific cessation strategies that emphasize the health-related benefits of quitting, particularly those featuring the experiences of people who formerly smoked, may help AA/B individuals who smoke menthol cigarettes quit following a menthol ban. IMPLICATIONS For the FDA's proposed bans on characterizing flavors in cigarettes and cigars to advance racial health equity, they must maximize cessation among African American/black (AA/B) individuals who use menthol cigarettes. This work suggests information on the health hazards and costs of smoking, as well as concerns over gaining weight, were predictors of quit intentions in a hypothetical flavor ban. Qualitative data suggest messaging highlighting the experiences of individuals who successfully quit may constitute an effective communication strategy. These insights can be used in the development of culturally specific cessation strategies for AA/B individuals who smoke menthol cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustus M White
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Alison J Patev
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Rabia Imran
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Akira Goden
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Alyssa K Rudy
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Harlean Bajwa
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mignonne C Guy
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kristina Hood
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Caroline O Cobb
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Andrew J Barnes
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Tam J, Jimenez-Mendoza E, Buckell J, Sindelar J, Meza R. Responses to Real-World and Hypothetical Menthol Flavor Bans Among US Young Adults Who Smoke Menthol Cigarettes. Nicotine Tob Res 2024; 26:785-789. [PMID: 38147008 PMCID: PMC11109486 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Menthol cigarette bans have been implemented in some US states and localities, and a federal ban is being proposed by the FDA. This study asks how young adults who use menthol cigarettes respond to changes in menthol cigarette availability. AIMS AND METHODS An online survey of young adults ages 18-34 who reported smoking menthol cigarettes on ≥7 of 30 days around Thanksgiving 2019 (n = 734), oversampling Massachusetts-the first state with a menthol ban. Participants reported their tobacco use behavior following real-world menthol cigarette bans or predicted their behavior under a hypothetical federal ban. RESULTS Most respondents who exclusively smoked versus dual used with e-cigarettes continued smoking/using combustible tobacco following real-world bans (95.3% vs. 86.9%), accessing menthol cigarettes from other jurisdictions. Fewer who smoked exclusively responded by using e-cigarettes compared to those who dual used (3.9% vs. 43.7%). Quitting all tobacco use (ie, no smoking, vaping, or any tobacco use) was uncommon for both groups (3.6% vs. 9.0%). Under a hypothetical ban, majorities of those who exclusively smoke and who dual use predicted they would continue smoking (72.2% vs. 71.8%); fewer who smoke exclusively would use e-cigarettes compared to those who dual use (14.7% vs. 41.4%). Those who smoke exclusively were more likely to report quitting all tobacco compared to those who dual use (29.6% vs. 12.4%). CONCLUSIONS Under real-world and hypothetical menthol cigarette bans, most respondents continued smoking. However, more young adults continued smoking following real-world bans, reflecting the limitations of local/state restrictions when menthol cigarettes are available in other jurisdictions. IMPLICATIONS This survey asked young adults who use menthol cigarettes how they responded to real-world changes in the availability of menthol cigarettes; 89% reported continuing to smoke. Those who smoked exclusively were far less likely to respond by switching to e-cigarettes compared to people who dual used both products. Under a hypothetical federal menthol cigarette ban, 72% of young adults predicted that they would continue smoking. Quitting all tobacco was less common in the real-world scenario compared to the hypothetical ban. Access to menthol cigarettes in other jurisdictions and flavored cigars likely dampen the public health benefit of menthol cigarette bans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Tam
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Evelyn Jimenez-Mendoza
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John Buckell
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jody Sindelar
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rafael Meza
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Yang Y, Lindblom EN, Ward KD, Salloum RG. Should menthol e-cigarettes be banned? Reaction of adult smokers and users of e-cigarettes to hypothetical bans. Tob Control 2024; 33:e125-e127. [PMID: 36446577 PMCID: PMC10225471 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examines how current smokers using menthol cigarettes or flavoured cigars, and current users of flavoured e-cigarettes may respond to three hypothetical flavour-ban scenarios: (1) banning only menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars; (2) also banning e-cigarettes with any non-tobacco flavours except menthol; and (3) also banning e-cigarettes with any non-tobacco flavours, including menthol. METHODS Recruited from mTurk, respondents were asked if they would quit all tobacco-nicotine use or continue or start using products that were still legally available. The patterns of responding to each ban scenario, for both flavoured smokers and users of non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarettes, were summarised. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate associations between demographics, smoking or e-cigarette use status and reactions to a ban. RESULTS A ban on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars would lead to 12%-20% of flavoured smokers trying to quit all tobacco use and 32%-52% switching to non-flavoured smoking, with the remaining switching to e-cigarettes or other products. Compared with a ban on only menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars, also banning flavoured e-cigarettes would increase the likelihood of quitting all tobacco-nicotine use (OR=2.58) but also increase the likelihood of switching to non-flavoured smoking (OR=1.74). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars would decrease smoking. However, it is unclear if adding a ban of menthol e-cigarettes would lead to additional benefits because without menthol e-cigarettes as an alternative, some smokers and e-cigarette users may switch to non-flavoured tobacco smoking, rather than quit all tobacco use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Eric N Lindblom
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kenneth D Ward
- School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Yingst J, Midya V, White A, Foulds J, Cobb CO, Veldheer S, Yen MS, Eissenberg T. Effects of liquid nicotine concentration and flavour on the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among people who smoke participating in a randomised controlled trial to reduce cigarette consumption. Tob Control 2024:tc-2023-058282. [PMID: 38471776 PMCID: PMC11408707 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is needed to understand the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as a smoking reduction aid. This study examines the acceptability of ENDS by liquid nicotine concentration and flavour among people who smoke using ENDS to reduce their smoking. METHODS People who smoke cigarettes but were naïve to ENDS participated in a double-blind randomised controlled trial to reduce conventional cigarette smoking. Participants were randomised to either a control cigarette substitute (CS) or one of three ENDS groups; 0 mg/mL, 8 mg/mL or 36 mg/mL nicotine concentration. ENDS flavour was chosen by the participant (tobacco or menthol). Participants reported their CS, ENDS and cigarettes per day (CPD) from the past 7 days at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. Participants also reported side effects and measures of satisfaction, psychological reward, aversion and craving relief. Outcome variables were modelled using linear mixed effects by the following groups: liquid nicotine concentration, flavour and a flavour-nicotine concentration interaction. RESULTS Participants (n=520) were 41.2% male, 67.3% white, had a mean age of 46.2 years and smoked a mean of 18.6 CPD (SD=7.74) at baseline. All flavour and concentration groups decreased CPD from baseline to all follow-up visits with the 36 mg/mL experiencing the greatest reduction, compared with the 0 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL groups. All groups except the 36 mg/mL group decreased their product use over time. The use of menthol flavour was associated with fewer side effects at 3 months (p=0.02) and lesser aversion at 1 month (p=0.03) compared with tobacco-flavoured ENDS. The 36 mg/mL group experienced the greatest craving relief and greatest aversion compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS Both nicotine concentration and flavour appear to have independent, as well as interactive, effects that influence ENDS acceptability among people who use cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Yingst
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vishal Midya
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Augustus White
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jonathan Foulds
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Caroline O Cobb
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Susan Veldheer
- Departmanrt of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Miao-Shan Yen
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas Eissenberg
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Mills SD, Peddireddy S, Kurtzman R, Hill F, Catalan V, Bissram JS, Ribisl KM. The Impact of Menthol Cigarette Bans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nicotine Tob Res 2024:ntae011. [PMID: 38379278 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review investigates the impacts of banning the sale of menthol cigarettes at stores. METHODS A systematic search of studies published in English up to November 2022 was conducted. The following databases were searched: PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase, as well as a non-indexed journal. Studies evaluating either the impact of real-world or hypothesized menthol cigarette bans were included. Primary outcomes include tobacco use behaviors. Secondary outcomes include cigarette sales, retailer compliance, and the tobacco industry's response to a menthol ban. Data on tobacco use behavior after a menthol ban were pooled using random-effects models. Two pairs of reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. RESULTS Of the 964 articles that were identified during the initial search, 78 were included in the review and 16 were included in the meta-analysis. Cessation rates among menthol cigarette smokers were high after a menthol ban. Pooled results show that 24% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 20%, 28%) of menthol cigarette smokers quit smoking after a menthol ban, 50% (95% CI: 31%, 68%) switched to non-menthol cigarettes, 12% (95% CI: 3%, 20%) switched to other flavored tobacco products, and 24% (95% CI: 17%, 31%) continued smoking menthol cigarettes. Hypothesized quitting and switching rates were fairly close to real-world rates. Studies found the tobacco industry attempts to undermine menthol bans. National menthol bans appear more effective than local or state menthol bans. CONCLUSIONS Menthol cigarette bans promote smoking cessation suggesting their potential to improve public health. IMPLICATIONS Findings from this review suggest that menthol cigarette bans promote smoking cessation among menthol cigarette smokers and have the potential to improve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Mills
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Snigdha Peddireddy
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Kurtzman
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Frantasia Hill
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Victor Catalan
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer S Bissram
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kurt M Ribisl
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Lansey DG, Ramalingam R, Brawley OW. Health Care Policy and Disparities in Health. Cancer J 2023; 29:287-292. [PMID: 37963360 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The United States has seen a 33% decline in age-adjusted cancer mortality since 1991. Despite this achievement, the United States has some of the greatest health disparities of any developed nation. US government policies are increasingly directed toward reducing health disparities and promoting health equity. These policies govern the conduct of research, cancer prevention, access, and payment for care. Although implementation of policies has played a significant role in the successes of cancer control, inconsistent implementation of policy has resulted in divergent outcomes; poorly designed or inadequately implemented policies have hindered progress in reducing cancer death rates and, in certain cases, exacerbated existing disparities. Examining policies affecting cancer control in the United States and realizing their unintended consequences are crucial in addressing cancer inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohan Ramalingam
- From the Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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Shadel WG, Setodji CM, Martino SC, Dunbar M, Jenson D, Bialas A, Li R. Does removing menthol cigarettes in convenience stores reduce susceptibility to cigarette smoking? An experimental investigation in young people. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 251:110938. [PMID: 37651811 PMCID: PMC10544723 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for the effectiveness of menthol cigarette bans comes mostly from studies of adults that smoke. This experiment evaluated whether the absence of menthol products from a convenience store influenced young people's susceptibility to cigarette smoking after they shopped in the store. METHODS This experiment took place in the RAND StoreLab (RSL), a life-sized research convenience store. A three-group, between-subjects design was used. Study conditions differed in the mix of flavored tobacco products the RSL displayed: 1) All tobacco-, sweet-, and menthol-flavors displayed; 2) only tobacco- and menthol-flavors displayed; and 3) only tobacco-flavors displayed. Participants were randomly assigned to shop in the RSL under one of these conditions and after shopping, completed measures of their susceptibility to cigarette smoking, one measure for menthol cigarettes and one for unflavored cigarettes (scores on each susceptibility measure was dichotomized: 0 = not susceptible; 1 = susceptible). RESULTS Multivariable logistic regression assessed the main effects of condition on susceptibility to smoking menthol and unflavored cigarettes. There was no condition effect on susceptibility to smoking unflavored cigarettes. However, removing menthol-flavored products significantly increased participants' susceptibility to smoking menthol cigarettes compared to when all flavored products were available (OR = 3.66, 95% CI [1.33, 10.03]). This significant effect was only found among young people with some pre-existing risk of cigarette smoking (OR = 5.92, 95% CI [1.81, 19.39]). CONCLUSION Results suggest the need to consider that menthol bans could unintentionally increase the appeal of menthol cigarettes among youth already at risk of smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Desmond Jenson
- Public Health Law Center, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Saint Paul, MN 55105, USA
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10
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White AM, Goden AB, Rudy AK, Bajwa HK, Guy MC, Hood KB, Cobb CO, Barnes AJ. Responses of African American Individuals Who Use Menthol Cigarettes to Potential Flavored Tobacco Bans. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:898-901. [PMID: 36624010 PMCID: PMC10200722 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed new product standards regarding the availability of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in the U.S. However, it is unclear whether limiting characterizing flavors in cigarettes and cigars as proposed, or across all tobacco products, produces differential effects on the tobacco use behaviors of African American/Black individuals who use menthol cigarettes. This study assessed whether limiting characterizing flavors in combusted products only or across all tobacco products produces differential impacts on the tobacco use behaviors of African American/Black individuals who use menthol cigarettes. METHODS Adult African American/Black individuals who use menthol cigarettes in the U.S. were recruited through Qualtrics (n=373) and in Richmond, VA (n=206) for an online experiment from September 2021 to August 2022. Participants reported how their tobacco use behaviors would change under 3 scenarios: maintenance of the status quo, limited flavor ban (ban characterizing flavors in cigarettes and cigars), and comprehensive flavor ban (ban characterizing flavors in all tobacco products). Seemingly unrelated regressions compared differences in expected responses to policy scenarios (p<0.05). RESULTS Both flavor ban scenarios resulted in higher quitting intentions for cigarettes and all tobacco products than the status quo (p<0.05). The comprehensive ban resulted in greater intentions to quit all tobacco products and lower intentions to switch to certain alternative products (e.g., E-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, heated tobacco products) than the limited ban (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS African American/Black individuals who use menthol cigarettes appear more likely to quit smoking if characterizing flavors in combusted products (e.g., menthol cigarettes) are banned, regardless of if characterizing flavors are available in noncombusted alternative tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustus M White
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
| | - Akira B Goden
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Alyssa K Rudy
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Harlean K Bajwa
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mignonne C Guy
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kristina B Hood
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Department of Psychology, College of Humanities & Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Caroline O Cobb
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Department of Psychology, College of Humanities & Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Andrew J Barnes
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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Byron MJ, Enyioha C, Goldstein AO. The Role of Communication Research to Support Policy Change: The US Menthol Ban. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:841-843. [PMID: 36321785 PMCID: PMC10032179 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Justin Byron
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chineme Enyioha
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Adam O Goldstein
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Sawyer AN, Combs M, Clark V, Soule EK, Lee JGL, Breland AB. Reactions to a Hypothetical Menthol Cigarette Ban among Sexual- and Gender-Minoritized Communities: A Concept Mapping Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3891. [PMID: 36900905 PMCID: PMC10001923 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Menthol cigarette use is disproportionately higher among sexual- and gender-minoritized (SGM; 36%) individuals compared to cisgender, heterosexual (29%), individuals. The FDA has announced intentions to ban menthol in cigarettes, citing these use and health disparities as partial motivation. This study identified potential outcomes of a menthol cigarette ban among SGM individuals who smoke menthol cigarettes (N = 72). Potential outcomes were identified via concept mapping using the prompt: "If menthol in cigarettes was banned, a specific action I would take related to my tobacco use is…" Participants generated 82 response statements, sorted them, and rated them on personal relevance. Eight thematic clusters were identified: (1) Thoughtful Consideration of the Ban, (2) Negative Reactions to the Ban, (3) Positive Aspects of the Ban, (4) Strategies to Reduce Cravings, (5) Intent to Quit and Cessation Strategies, (6) Support-Seeking and Engagement in Positive Behaviors, (7) Strategies to Maintain Menthol-Flavored Product Use, and (8) Substance Use Alternatives to Menthol Cigarettes. Cluster differences based on sociodemographic factors, smoking behavior, and quitting interest were identified. Results provide insight into potential responses to a menthol cigarette ban and can contribute to public health prevention and intervention efforts, messaging campaigns, and support services for SGM people who smoke menthol cigarettes, specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee N. Sawyer
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
| | - Madison Combs
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
| | - Viktor Clark
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
| | - Eric K. Soule
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Joseph G. L. Lee
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Alison B. Breland
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
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Su Z, McDonnell D, Cheshmehzangi A, Ahmad J, Šegalo S, da Veiga CP. A call to ban the sale of tobacco products. Front Public Health 2022; 10:904971. [PMID: 36438262 PMCID: PMC9684640 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.904971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco is both toxic and addictive. Mounting evidence shows that tobacco use has a detrimental impact on almost every aspect of human health, causing or worsening deadly public health crises from the cancer epidemic to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while tobacco use is a threat to both personal and public health, it continues to surge across the world, especially in China and other low- and middle-income countries. To this end, this article argues in favor of using a ban on the sale of all tobacco products as a practical solution to the global tobacco use epidemic. It is our hope that insights provided by our work will inspire swift policy actions in countries such as China and beyond to curb the tide of rising tobacco consumption, so that populations around the world could be better shielded from the pervasive and long-lasting damage that tobacco products cause or compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Zhaohui Su
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, Ireland
| | - Ali Cheshmehzangi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China,Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Sabina Šegalo
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Pike Moore S, Osborn C, Koopman Gonzalez S, Quisenberry A, Klein EG, Kaur M, Suratkal J, Trapl E. Flavour loyalty may predict cessation or substitution following a cigarillo flavour ban among young adults in the USA. Tob Control 2022; 31:s206-s213. [PMID: 36328462 PMCID: PMC9641532 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Significance The purpose of this research was to measure flavour loyalty and identify how current cigarillo users may respond to a hypothetical flavour ban in the USA. Methods Cigarillo users aged 21–28 (n=531) were recruited between October 2020 and April 2021 to participate in an online survey. Respondents categorised their preferred, usual and current cigarillo flavours. Individuals who preferred tobacco flavours were compared with individuals who preferred any other flavours. Strength of preferences, or flavour loyalty, was defined when an individual’s preferred flavour matched what they use both usually and currently creating a spectrum of individuals with a strong tobacco preference (n=34), weak tobacco preference (n=20), weak flavour preference (n=162) and strong flavour preference (n=315). Those preferring tobacco were aggregated into any tobacco preference (n=54). Results Individuals who preferred any flavour scored higher on a scale of nicotine dependence. There was a dose–response relationship in those who said they would discontinue cigarillos if flavoured options were not available: 11.4% of individuals with any tobacco flavour preference, 27.8% of those with a weak flavour preference and 38.1% of those with a strong flavour preference. A similar trend was noted among those who would switch to another product: 19.2% of those with tobacco flavour preference, 34.3% of those with a weak flavour preference and 43.2% of those with a strong flavour preference. Conclusion Individuals who display strong flavour preferences were more likely to say they would discontinue use or seek out alternative flavoured products following a ban on flavoured cigarillos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pike Moore
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Catherine Osborn
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Koopman Gonzalez
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth G Klein
- College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica Suratkal
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Erika Trapl
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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