Menthol cigarette smoking and health, Florida 2007 BRFSS.
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between menthol cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence, quit attempts, and physical and mental health.


METHODS
Data were drawn from the 2007 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and a follow-up survey among current smokers (N = 3396). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.


RESULTS
In multivariate analyses, menthol cigarette smoking was associated with women, African American and Hispanic race/ethnicity, and greater mental distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Women, racial/ethnic minorities, and individuals reporting a greater frequency of mental distress are more likely to smoke menthol versus nonmenthol cigarettes. Implications for public health policy and cessation interventions are discussed.
University of Miami, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA. mwebb@miami.edu
Monica Webb
MW
Hooper
Wei
W
Zhao
Margaret M
MM
Byrne
Evelyn
E
Davila
Alberto
A
Caban-Martinez
Noella A
NA
Dietz
Dorothy F
DF
Parker
Youjie
Y
Huang
Antoine
A
Messiah
David J
DJ
Lee
D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008610:Menthol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D057566:Self Report; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*
D008610:Menthol