The influence of menthol, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products on young adults’ self-reported changes in past year smoking

Abstract

Objective Progression to regular smoking often occurs during young adulthood. This study examines self-reported changes in past year smoking among young adults and the potential influence of tobacco products on these trajectories. Methods Respondents to the 2011 National Young Adult Health Survey who smoked 100 cigarettes in their lifetime (n=909) described smoking behaviour at the time of the survey and 1 year prior. Cigarette smoking trajectories were categorised as: no change, quit, decreased smoking or increased smoking. Participants were also asked about current use of menthol cigarettes and other tobacco products (ie, cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah) and ever use of e-cigarettes. Results Most young adults (73.1%) reported stable cigarette smoking behaviours, while 8.2% reported having quit, 5.8% reported that they smoke on fewer days, 5% progressed from someday to daily smoking and 8% increased from not at all to current smoking. The youngest smokers (18–20) had significantly higher odds (adjusted OR (AOR) =2.6) of increasing cigarette use over the past year compared to those aged 30–34, as did blacks versus whites (AOR=2.35). Menthol cigarette use nearly doubled (AOR=1.87) the odds of increased smoking behaviour. E-cigarette and other tobacco product (OTP) use were not associated with increasing smoking but OTP use was negatively associated with remaining quit from cigarettes. Conclusions Young adulthood is a critical period for smoking interventions, particularly among those most vulnerable to increasing smoking behaviours (ie, black and younger young adults). Policy efforts to restrict menthol cigarettes may reduce young adult smoking progression.

Changes in the prevalence and correlates of menthol cigarette use in the USA, 2004–2014

“…Studies documenting the differential impact of menthol cigarettes (vs non-menthol cigarettes) on subsequent smoking outcomes among youth and young adults highlight the role of menthol cigarettes in facilitating increased smoking and progression to regular smoking in youth and young adults 9 10. Recent studies have also documented the high proportion of polytobacco use in youth11 and young adults,12 13 though few studies have examined the relationship between menthol cigarette use and other tobacco use.…”

Effects of menthol and its interaction with nicotine-conditioned cue on nicotine-seeking behavior in rats

“…Notwithstanding the overall significant progress in reducing tobacco smoking over the last several decades, the use of mentholated cigarettes has become a growing problem, especially among the younger population (Giovino et al, 2015; SAMHSA, 2009; USDHHS, 2014). Increasing evidence has shown a significant impact of menthol on perpetuation of the tobacco epidemic, with increases in both smoking experimentation and regular smoking and a decrease in smoking cessation success (Anderson, 2011a; Anderson, 2011b; Benowitz and Samet, 2011; Delnevo et al, 2011; Delnevo et al, 2015; Fagan et al, 2010; Fagan et al, 2015; Giovino et al, 2015; Tobacco, 2011; TPSAC, 2011). For example, menthol smokers began smoking their first cigarette sooner after waking, inhaled more deeply, and presented heightened nicotine addiction (Ahijevych and Parsley, 1999; Fagan et al, 2010; Hoffman and Simmons, 2011; Hymowitz et al, 1995; Muscat et al, 2009; Okuyemi et al, 2003; Richter et al, 2008).…”

Menthol decreases oral nicotine aversion in C57BL/6 mice through a TRPM8-dependent mechanism

“…7 Together these data suggested that menthol may facilitate smoking initiation by reducing aversion to noxious smoke. [6][7][8] It is currently controversial whether menthol's counterirritant activity extends to oral nicotine and its aversive effects. Most studies examining the effects of menthol in the context of tobacco use were performed in chronic smokers and provide no information about menthol's behavioural effects during initiation of tobacco use.…”