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N Kyriakos C, Filippidis FT, East KA, Reid JL, Driezen P, Hammond D. Use of Menthol Cigarettes and Accessories Among Youth Who Smoked After the Menthol Cigarette Ban in England and Canada, 2021: Implications for Health Equity. Nicotine Tob Res 2024; 26:S133-S142. [PMID: 38817031 PMCID: PMC11140215 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad112] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examined menthol cigarette use among youth who smoked, after menthol cigarette bans were implemented in England (May 2020) and Canada (October 2017). AIMS AND METHODS Cross-sectional data come from 2021 ITC Youth Tobacco and Vaping Survey respondents aged 16-19 who smoked in the past 30 d in England (N = 715) and Canada (N = 419). Adjusted logistic regression models, estimated separately for each country, examined sociodemographic correlates of usually smoking menthol cigarettes (reporting currently most often smoking menthol cigarettes) overall, and by past 30-d use of any menthol accessories (e.g., filters, capsules). Youth reported the cigarette variety they smoked most often, coded as menthol or nonmenthol. RESULTS Almost no youth who smoked in the past 30 d reported most often smoking a cigarette variety coded as menthol. However, 34.5% (95% CI: 30.4% to 38.9%) of youth who smoke in England and 30.9% (26.0%-36.3%) in Canada reported usually smoking menthol cigarettes, with greater odds of use among those identifying as black, or other race/ethnicity, respectively, compared to white in England (60.0%, aOR = 3.08, p = .001; 47.4%, aOR = 2.27, p = .011) and Canada (43.6%, aOR = 2.44, p = .046; 51.2%, aOR = 2.92, p = .001). Among those who reported usually smoking menthol cigarettes in England (N = 223) and Canada (N = 108), 71.7% (64.0%-78.2%) and 51.5% (41.1%-61.7%) reported using menthol accessories. CONCLUSIONS After menthol cigarette bans in England and Canada, approximately one-third of youth who smoked reported usually smoking menthol cigarettes, with disproportionately higher use among those identifying as black and other race/ethnicity. Menthol accessories accounted for most menthol cigarette use. Closing regulatory loopholes is critical to advancing public health equity. IMPLICATIONS Use of menthol cigarette accessories (eg, filters, cards, capsules) among youth who smoked was prevalent after implementation of menthol cigarette bans in England and Canada, and there was disproportionately higher use among those who identified as black and any other race/ethnicity. Efforts are therefore required to close regulatory loopholes of menthol cigarette bans. Findings further support countries, such as the United States, proposing menthol cigarette bans which extend coverage to accessories. More comprehensive menthol bans that also restrict accessories are likely to be more effective in reducing flavored tobacco use among young people and in advancing health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Kyriakos
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Filippos T Filippidis
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine A East
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica L Reid
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pete Driezen
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Marshall LL, Norman L, Rose SW, Tseng TS. Preventing Chronic Disease Collection: From Data to Action: National, State, and Local Efforts to End Menthol and Other Flavored Commercial Tobacco Product Use. Prev Chronic Dis 2024; 21:E39. [PMID: 38815047 PMCID: PMC11155687 DOI: 10.5888/pcd21.240143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- LaTisha L Marshall
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mail Stop S107-7, Atlanta, GA 30341
| | - Leslie Norman
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shyanika W Rose
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Behavioral Science and Center for Health Equity Transformation, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Tung-Sung Tseng
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Humphrey R, Truong A, Fraser R, Gallow TG, Fischbach L, Kuo T. Creating and Implementing a Community-Focused, Culturally Tailored Health Marketing Campaign to Address Menthol Cigarette Use in Los Angeles County. Prev Chronic Dis 2024; 21:E25. [PMID: 38635496 PMCID: PMC11048316 DOI: 10.5888/pcd21.230282] [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] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Menthol tobacco products have been marketed disproportionately to communities of color for decades. Methods In Los Angeles County, California, a health marketing campaign, which used glossy visuals and attractive people in appealing poses, reminiscent of tobacco marketing tactics, was created and implemented to educate smokers on the health risks of using menthol cigarettes. The campaign encouraged smokers to make a quit attempt by offering access to free or low-cost resources through the Kick It California quitline and the LAQuits website (laquits.com). A survey tailored for public health professionals and community members from the approximately 382,000 people in the county who smoked menthol cigarettes and were exposed to their smoke (our primary audience) was administered to generate insights about this problem. Survey data were used to finesse the campaign creative materials prior to launch. Advertisement exposures, website visits, and quitline call volume were monitored and tabulated to assess the performance of the campaign. Results At the conclusion of its initial run (February-April 2021), the "Done with Menthol" campaign had garnered more than 66 million impressions, received approximately 56,000 clicks on its various digital media platforms, and had click-through rates that surpassed industry benchmarks. The quitline call volume for African American and Latino subgroups were 1.9 and 1.8 times higher than the average inbound call volume for corresponding months during 2018 and 2019, respectively. In its second run (May-June 2023), the campaign garnered approximately 11 million additional impressions. Conclusions Despite having a lower budget and fewer resources than the tobacco industry, the "Done with Menthol" campaign attained excellent reach and offered free, low-cost, and accessible resources to county residents interested in tobacco use cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Humphrey
- Communications and Community Relations, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 3530 Wilshire Blvd, 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010
| | - Amy Truong
- Communications and Community Relations, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Tonya Gorham Gallow
- Tobacco Control and Prevention Program, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lori Fischbach
- Research and Evaluation, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tony Kuo
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
- Population Health Program, UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Los Angeles, California
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Ceasar RC, Braymiller JL, Kechter A, Simpson KA, Schiff SJ, Yamaguchi N, Barrington-Trimis JL. Perceiving E-Cigarettes as Safe and Safer Alternative to Cigarettes Among Young Adults. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024; 45:181-190. [PMID: 38281133 DOI: 10.1177/29767342231218533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults are using e-cigarettes at high rates. While the literature on the health risks associated with e-cigarettes is extensive and growing, little is known about young adults' thoughts and perceptions of the safety and harms of e-cigarettes. METHODS We conducted one-on-one interviews with young adults aged 18 to 25 years in Los Angeles, California between June 2018 and June 2019. We interviewed and audio-recorded young adults (N = 62) who consented to the study and self-reported to have used e-cigarettes on a weekly basis or more for at least 5 months prior to study enrollment. Interviews examined participants' thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to e-cigarette use. We audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded the interviews using grounded theory analysis methods. RESULTS Young adults often believed that e-cigarettes were safer than cigarettes and were safe to use, especially following positive vaping experiences. Young adults were skeptical of the available science on e-cigarette use and felt there was not conclusive data on the harms of e-cigarettes. In their selection of e-cigarettes over cigarettes, young adults felt they were making a conscious and healthier choice. Because young adults viewed e-cigarettes to be better for them based on their personal experiences with vaping, they felt e-cigarettes were a superior alternative to combustible tobacco. CONCLUSIONS Young adults in our study believed that the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are not clearly understood and were generally skeptical of the research on e-cigarette harms. Policy, education, and anti-smoking campaigns need to clarify the negative health-related consequences of e-cigarette use for young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Carmen Ceasar
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Braymiller
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Afton Kechter
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey A Simpson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Sara J Schiff
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Naosuke Yamaguchi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
| | - Jessica L Barrington-Trimis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cheng YJ, Tsai J, Cornelius ME, Mahoney M, Neff LJ. Sociodemographic and Temporal Differences in Menthol Cigarette Use Among US Adults Who Smoke, 1999-2018. Prev Chronic Dis 2024; 21:E20. [PMID: 38547020 PMCID: PMC10996389 DOI: 10.5888/pcd21.230291] [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: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Monitoring menthol cigarette use allows for identification of potential health disparities. We examined sociodemographic and temporal differences in menthol cigarette use among US adults who smoke. Methods We analyzed data from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for adults aged 20 years or older who smoke (N = 11,431) using binary logistic regression. Results Among US adults who smoke, 28.8% used menthol cigarettes. After adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, income-to-poverty ratio, and health status, the prevalence of menthol use among adults who smoke increased on average by 3.8% (95% CI, 2.7%-4.9%) annually. Non-Hispanic Black adults had the highest average prevalence of menthol cigarette use, 73.0% (95% CI, 70.9%-75.2%), and Mexican American adults had higher average annual increase in menthol cigarette use, 7.1% (95% CI, 4.0%-10.3%). Adults with fair or poor health status had a 4.3% annual increase in menthol cigarette use (95% CI, 2.5%-6.1%). The adjusted prevalence ratios of menthol cigarette use were 1.61 (95% CI, 1.39-1.83) for adults aged 20-29 years compared with those aged 65 years or older, 1.41 (95% CI, 1.32-1.49) for female adults compared with male adults, and 1.17 (95% CI, 1.07-1.27) for high school graduates or higher compared with those with no high school diploma. Conclusion Non-Hispanic Black adults who smoke had the highest prevalence of menthol cigarette use among all racial and ethnic groups; the prevalence of menthol cigarette use among adults who smoke increased especially among Mexican American adults, younger adults, and adults who reported fair to poor health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling J Cheng
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mail Stop S107-7, Atlanta, GA 30341
| | - James Tsai
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Monica E Cornelius
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Margaret Mahoney
- Katmai Government Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Linda J Neff
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Smiley SL, Shin H. Motivation to Quit Smoking Among Black Adults Residing in Los Angeles County Communities With Menthol Cigarette Sales Restrictions. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:727-731. [PMID: 38226661 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2294984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Background: Research is needed to identify the determinants of motivation to quit smoking among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) adults who smoke menthol cigarettes and reside in communities covered by menthol cigarette bans. Objectives: This study examined the associations between motivation to quit smoking and a range of individual-level predictors, including measures of demographics, harm/risk perception of menthol cigarettes, and awareness of a ban on menthol cigarettes in Los Angeles County unincorporated communities. Self-identified NHB adults who currently smoke menthol cigarettes (N=50; M=47.2 years; SD=13.7; 46% female) were recruited in Los Angeles County unincorporated communities. Participants completed an interviewer-administered cross-sectional survey between January to September 2021. Results: Participants (74%) reported an annual household income of less than $25,000. Participants' mean age at cigarette initiation was 15.7 years old (SD=5.68). Most (88%) were aware of the ordinance banning menthol cigarette sales. Employing multivariable linear regression analysis, harm/risk perception of menthol cigarettes (B=14.69, p<0.01) and awareness of the local menthol ban (B=26.18, p<0.05) were found to be independently associated with motivation to quit smoking. Conclusions: Findings from this community-based sample suggest that among NHB adults who smoke menthol cigarettes, motivation to quit smoking is influenced by their perception of menthol cigarettes as harmful and awareness of local policy banning the sale of menthol cigarettes. Findings underscore the need for community-centered and culturally grounded interventions to facilitate quitting among NHB adults who smoke in order for communities covered by menthol bans to achieve health equity in reducing preventable racial inequities due to menthol cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Smiley
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Heesung Shin
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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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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Reimold AE, Lee JGL, Ribisl KM. Tobacco company agreements with tobacco retailers for price discounts and prime placement of products and advertising: a scoping review. Tob Control 2023; 32:635-644. [PMID: 35074932 PMCID: PMC9359804 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this scoping review are to examine existing research on the often-secretive contracts between tobacco manufacturers and retailers, to identify contract requirements and incentives, and to assess the impact of contracts on the sales and marketing of tobacco products in the retail setting. DATA SOURCES The systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Political Science Database, Business Source Premier, ProQuest Agricultural & Environmental Science Collection, and Global Health through December 2020. STUDY SELECTION We included studies that collected and analysed empirical data related to tobacco contracts, tobacco manufacturers, and tobacco retailers. Two reviewers independently screened all 2786 studies, excluding 2694 titles and abstracts and 65 full texts resulting in 27 (0.97%) included studies. DATA EXTRACTION Study characteristics, contract prevalence, contract requirements and incentives, and the influence of contracts on the retail environment were extracted from each study. DATA SYNTHESIS We created an evidence table and conducted a narrative review of included studies. CONCLUSIONS Contracts are prevalent around the world and handsomely incentivise tobacco retailers in exchange for substantial manufacturer control of tobacco product availability, placement, pricing and promotion in the retail setting. Contracts allow tobacco companies to promote their products and undermine tobacco control efforts in the retail setting through discounted prices, promotions and highly visible placement of marketing materials and products. Policy recommendations include banning tobacco manufacturer contracts and retailer incentives along with more transparent reporting of contract incentives given to retailers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria E Reimold
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph G L Lee
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Kurt M Ribisl
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Griffith DM, Satterfield D, Gilbert KL. Promoting Health Equity Through the Power of Place, Perspective, and Partnership. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E66. [PMID: 37503943 PMCID: PMC10431927 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.230160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The 10 articles in the Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) special collection on health equity highlight that a commitment to self-reflection, cultural humility, and lifelong learning are foundations of health equity science and that the field is interdependent with the perspectives and context of communities.Three themes - place, perspective, and partnership - emerged from the PCD special collection. The articles embody the principles outlined in the Healthy People definition of health equity and CDC's CORE Health Equity Science and Intervention Strategy. They highlight the critical role that context, qualitative methods, and community-based participatory research play in efforts to achieve health equity. However, the science of achieving health equity is rooted in antiracism principles; the "inner work" of learning, unlearning, relearning, and co-learning; and the efforts to equip communities to act, research, and intervene for themselves. Without these added critical structural lenses, health equity science will continue to fail to achieve its goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Griffith
- Racial Justice Institute, Center for Men's Health Equity, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Georgetown University, 300 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Dawn Satterfield
- Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Keon L Gilbert
- Brookings Institution, Washington, DC
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, Institute for Healing Justice and Equity, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
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10
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Kirchner TR, Guttentag A, Vantu A, Silver D. Documenting the Impact Potential of a Menthol Cigarette Ban at Point-of-Sale: A Photograph-Based Analysis of the Presence and Placement of Menthol Versus Regular Cigarette Packs on the Shelves of Tobacco Retail Outlets in New York City. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:28-35. [PMID: 35657699 PMCID: PMC9717364 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac140] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To investigate the absolute and proportionate number of menthol versus regular cigarette packs displayed on the shelves inside tobacco retail outlets (TROs) across New York City (NYC). AIMS AND METHODS Photographic surveillance methods were used to capture the presence and proportionate amount of all visible cigarette packs on the shelves inside N = 160 TROs. Statistical analyses examined the absolute and proportionate number of menthol packs in each TRO as a function of NYC borough, the local TRO environment, population smoking rates derived from the NYC Community Health Survey, and other demographic indicators from the American Community Survey. RESULTS The total number of cigarette packs on the shelves of each TRO and the proportion of menthol packs varied significantly across TROs, averaging about one-quarter of all packs displayed (M = 0.274; SD = .15). Modeling results indicate that the proportion of menthol packs displayed was significantly greater in areas with elevated population smoking rates (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, CI: 1.01-1.06) and density of TROs per 1000 residents (OR = 1.23; CI: 1.01-1.49), although these associations varied in complex ways with the proportion living under the federal poverty level and the proportion under age 18 years residing within each zip-code. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study demonstrate the utility of photograph-based TRO audit methods for objective, reliable documentation of the presence and proportionate amount of menthol versus other cigarette pack types on TRO shelves and highlight the need to account for sources of variation between small areas when examining the TRO product landscape and evaluating the effectiveness of regulatory actions against menthol. IMPLICATIONS This study describes use of a "hands-free" surveillance technique that offers valuable advantages over traditional retailer surveillance techniques. Comprehensive photographic surveillance data collection allows for more objective measurements of, in this case, the retail outlet's tobacco power wall, as multiple coders can review the same images and interrater reliability can be empirically tested. The results of this analysis highlight the need to account for local variation between small areas when examining TRO product landscapes and the effects of policy changes at the retailer level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Kirchner
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Urban Science and Progress, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra Guttentag
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avigail Vantu
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Silver
- Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Henriksen L, Schleicher NC, Fortmann SP. Menthol cigarettes in black neighbourhoods: still cheaper after all these years. Tob Control 2022; 31:e211-e212. [PMID: 34385403 PMCID: PMC8837722 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Nina C Schleicher
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Stephen P Fortmann
- Science Programs Department, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Brown N, Shin H, Whooley S, Tefilin N, Les O, Smiley SL. A content analysis of website marketing for cooling flavored e-liquids in a sample of brick-and-mortar vape shops in the Greater Los Angeles area. Tob Prev Cessat 2022; 8:29. [PMID: 35949949 PMCID: PMC9310102 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/150771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Menthol is a characterizing flavor in combustible cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). E-liquids are recognized as an important reason for ENDS use. Yet, compared to menthol cigarettes, menthol flavored e-liquids and other cooling flavors, including mint and 'ice' for ENDS, are an understudied area of investigation. The present study examined cooling flavored e-liquid website marketing among brick-and-mortar vape shops in Greater Los Angeles Area. METHODS A total of 104 brick-and-mortar vape shops were identified, and 38 had active websites. Over a 30-day period (28 September - 28 October 2020), we collected marketing for all flavored refillable e-liquids (photos/images) from each website. Data were collected for 1330 products. Only refillable e-liquid bottles were selected for this study, excluding prefilled pod vapes and disposable vapes. Each e-liquid per website was coded (e.g. menthol or not) and grouped into categories (e.g. type of menthol). The three flavor descriptor categories that the e-liquids were grouped into were menthol, mint, or ice. An 'other' category was also created for identified e-liquids with flavor descriptors that did not mention menthol, mint, or ice. RESULTS A total of 1330 e-liquid flavors were identified from 38 active websites. Among them, 219 were coded as menthol/mint/ice flavor e-liquids. Frequencies included ice/iced/icy (n=123; 56%), menthol (n=32; 15%), mint (n=23; 11%), and other (n=41; 19%). Of the 123 ice-flavor e-liquids, 70.3% (n=83) were in combination with fruit (e.g. 'Apple Ice', 'Grape Iced', 'Icy Mango'). Of the 32 menthol-flavored e-liquids, 63.3% (n=19) were in combination with fruit (e.g. 'Dragon Fruit Menthol', 'Blue Raspberry Menthol', 'Fresh Peach Menthol'). Flavors in the other category were ice-related flavor descriptors (e.g. 'Arctic Air', 'Brain Freeze', 'Frozen Hulk Tears'). CONCLUSIONS Brick-and-mortar vape shops in the Greater Los Angeles Area market a variety of cooling flavor e-liquids on their websites. Such marketing focused largely on ice fruit flavor combinations. Future research is needed to understand how exposure to and appeal of cooling flavored e-liquid marketing differs among diverse consumer groups, including adult menthol cigarette smokers and non-smoking youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichelle Brown
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States
| | - Heesung Shin
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States
| | - Simone Whooley
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Nathan Tefilin
- College of Letters and Science, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Olena Les
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Sabrina L. Smiley
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States
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From the IASLC Tobacco Control Committee. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Blackman KCA, Smiley S, Valentine W, Chaudhari L, Kwan P, Cotton-Curtis W, Saetermoe C, Chan T. The Earliest Food Deserts: Availability of Infant and Follow-on Formula, and Lactation Support Products among Stores in Black and Non-Hispanic White Zip Codes in Los Angeles County. Matern Child Health J 2021; 26:863-871. [PMID: 34170452 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03196-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigates the availability, accessibility, and product depth of in-store infant feeding and galactagogues products in majority Black and majority white zip codes in Los Angeles County. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine racial/ethnic neighborhood differences in the availability of infant and follow-on formula and galactagogues products in 47 retail stores in 21 zip codes. Store-level data were collected in June 2019 and an observational tool for galactagogues products and infant/follow-on formula (availability, accessibility, product depth) was employed at each store. RESULTS Most of the stores were grocery stores (87.2%). Stores in majority Black zip codes had less availability of infant formula ready-to-use (p = 0.001), less accessibility of follow-on powder (p = 0.028), and availability of galactagogues beverages (p = 0.036) versus majority white zip codes. Product depth (number of brands sold) of stores with one or more brands of the aforementioned products was consistently higher in majority white zip codes compared to majority Black zip codes. Stores in majority Black zip codes were most likely to have lower availability of infant formula and galactagogues products, an important part of the food environment for infant feeding options, in particular, for lactation support. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE Most studies investigating the association of the food environment and health outcomes have focused only on solid foods. However, additional food products (e.g., liquids, powders) may be contributors to extensive disparities in infant mortality between Black and white infants and may lead to health disparities beyond infant stage (e.g., children, adolescents, and adults). Lastly, for breastfeeding inequities to decrease, pregnant and postpartum Black persons need equitable access and education on safe and quality galactagogues products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacie C A Blackman
- Department of Health Sciences, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA.
| | - Sabrina Smiley
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Wenonah Valentine
- iDREAM for Racial Health Equity, 811 W. 7th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90017, USA
| | - Lisa Chaudhari
- Department of Health Sciences, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA
| | - Patty Kwan
- Department of Health Sciences, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA
| | - Wyconda Cotton-Curtis
- Department of Health Sciences, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA
| | - Carrie Saetermoe
- Department of Psychology, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA
| | - Thomas Chan
- Department of Psychology, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA
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