Determining non-cigarette tobacco, alcohol, and substance use typologies across menthol and non-menthol smokers using latent class analysis

Abstract

BackgroundSubstance use and mental health are robustly associated with smoking and poor cessation outcomes, but not often examined in combination with menthol cigarette smoking, which is also associated with lower quit rates. This study identified classes of Black and White menthol and non-menthol cigarette smokers based on demographics, alcohol, drug, and other tobacco use behaviors.MethodsUsing screening data from two studies, latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to classify n = 1177 menthol and non-menthol cigarette smokers on demographic characteristics, heavy smoking, alcohol and drug use, desire to quit smoking, other tobacco product use, and use of psychotropic medication.ResultsThree latent classes were identified that differentiated smokers on substance use, menthol cigarette smoking, and other tobacco use behavior. One class consisted primarily of young adults who used a wide array of other tobacco products, reported the highest prevalence of other drug use, and showed the lowest desire to quit smoking cigarettes in the next 6-months. Class 2 comprised primarily of Black male menthol smokers, all of whom used cigarillos in addition to cigarettes, and who displayed moderate drug use. The third class was categorized as primarily older cigarette smokers, who engaged in very little other tobacco use or drug use, but who were most likely to self-report being prescribed psychotropic medication.ConclusionsLCA allowed for the identification of distinct classes of smokers based on factors related to poor cessation outcomes, including menthol use, that have not previously been examined in combination. Interventions should target specific groups of smokers, rather than take a “one size fits all” approach.

Cigarette Use Among Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders in the United States, 2002 to 2016: Trends Overall and by Race/Ethnicity

“…Menthol cigarette use, compared to nonmenthol cigarette use, was associated with NH Black and Hispanic race/ethnicity, female gender, and greater interest in quitting smoking during SUD treatment. Two U.S. studies reported that menthol use was not associated with past 30-day alcohol use (Rath et al, 2016; Villanti et al, 2018) while another U.S. study of smokers from the community found no relationship between menthol use and binge drinking, frequency of consuming alcohol, or number of drinks per drinking occasion (Cohn et al, 2017). It is not clear at this time whether menthol plays a role in the disparities of smoking among persons with and without AUD.…”

Subtypes of smokers in a randomized controlled trial of a web-based smoking cessation program and their role in predicting intervention non-usage attrition: Implications for the development of tailored interventions

“…Additionally, compared with previous studies on smoker typologies in general smokers who did not seek help to quit smoking ( Cohn et al, 2017 ; Furberg et al, 2005 ; Manley et al, 2009 ; Timberlake, 2008 ) or in smokers participated in studies on face-to-face smoking cessation interventions ( Batra et al, 2008 ; Del Río et al, 2011 ), we used a different sample and included a broader range of participant characteristics to identify subtypes of smokers, which limited the comparability. However, when comparing some individual features between our smoker typology and other multi-dimensional smoker typologies identified in these previous studies, we still found some similarities.…”

“…However, when comparing some individual features between our smoker typology and other multi-dimensional smoker typologies identified in these previous studies, we still found some similarities. For example, Batra et al (2008) found a typology characterized by low levels of tobacco dependence and craving, and high levels of sensation seeking; Cohn et al (2017) found a “poly-substance users” typology characterized by young, higly educated, and light-to-moderate smokers; and Furberg et al (2005) found a typology of extrovert personality traits and light smoking. Our Cluster 1 seems to be consistent with these subtypes of smokers.…”

“…Previous studies have identified smoker typologies in general smokers who did not seek help to quit smoking (e.g., Cohn et al, 2017 ; Furberg et al, 2005 ; Manley et al, 2009 ; Timberlake, 2008 ) and in smokers who participated in studies on face-to-face smoking interventions (e.g., Batra et al, 2008 ; del Río et al, 2011 ). In these previous studies, some commonly assessed variables in smoking research or some pre-treatment characteristics have been used to investigate smoker typologies, such as demographics, smoking-related motives, behaviors, and complications, alcohol and other substance use, personality factors, and variables related to smoking cessation, etc.…”

Differences in Subjective Experiences to First Use of Menthol and Nonmenthol Cigarettes in a National Sample of Young Adult Cigarette Smokers

“…23,25 Alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use were assessed as wavespecific variables (not based on study entry assessment) and included as covariates because substance use is robustly associated with cigarette smoking in general, and prevalent among young adult menthol smokers. 27,28 Current alcohol use was assessed differently for waves 5 and 6 versus waves 7 and 8. In waves 5 and 6, all participants were asked about the frequency of their current use, with response options "every day," "some days," and "not at all."…”