Perceptions of Menthol Cigarettes and Reasons for Unsuccessful Quits in an African American Communit
Monday, June 15, 2020
Posted by: Natalia Gromov
Kingsbury JH, Mehrotra K, D'Silva J, Nichols E, Tripp R, Johnson D.
Perceptions of Menthol Cigarettes and Reasons for Unsuccessful Quits in an African American Community Sample.
[published online ahead of print, 2020 May 25]. J Immigr Minor Health. 2020;10.1007/s10903-020-01028-z. doi:10.1007/s10903-020-01028-z
This study aimed to better understand African Americans' perceptions of menthol tobacco and reasons for unsuccessful quit attempts among menthol smokers. A cross-sectional survey of 407 U.S.-born African American adults from Minnesota assessed menthol perceptions and experiences trying to quit menthol cigarettes. A majority of the sample (59%) was either unsure of the relative harm of menthol cigarettes or perceived that menthol cigarettes are less harmful than non-menthol cigarettes. Menthol smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to perceive that menthol makes it easier to start smoking and harder to quit, and that menthol cigarettes are marketed to African Americans more than other groups (ps < .05). Nearly half (45%) of menthol smokers who reported a failed quit attempt identified cravings as a reason why they were unsuccessful. Media campaigns and educational interventions that highlight the dangers of menthol and promote cessation resources are needed to help reduce the pernicious effects of menthol in the African American community.
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