Why Smoke Flavor Capsule Cigarettes? Preferences and Perceptions Among Adult Smokers in Mexico

Abstract

Purpose Flavor capsule cigarettes are rapidly gaining global market share, particularly in Latin America. This paper compares profiles and perceptions of smokers who prefer flavor capsule cigarettes and those who do not in Mexico. Methods We analyzed data from six online surveys of adult Mexican smokers (n=4488) from 2018-2020. Participants identified their preferred brand variety characteristics (no capsule; one capsule; two capsules), and reported perceptions of their brand varieties’ flavor, smoothness, harmfulness, and whether they smoke to control their appetite. Separate multinomial logistic models regressed preferred cigarette type on sociodemographic and smoking-related variables, as well as perceived benefits on preferred cigarette type, adjusting for covariates. Results Most participants preferred capsule cigarettes (single capsule=47.5%; double capsule=12.9%). Flavor capsule users reported that their preferred varieties mostly tasted like menthol/mint (59% of single capsule users and 23% of double capsule users), cucumber (12% and 27%, respectively) or berries (10% and 22%, respectively). Females were more likely than males to prefer either single or double capsule cigarettes (AOR=2.26 and 2.01, respectively). Preference for flavor capsules was also higher among younger smokers, e-cigarette users, those who smoke less frequently, and those who recently tried or plan to quit. Smokers who preferred capsules were more likely than non-capsule smokers to perceive their cigarettes as smoother, less harmful, and to smoke to control their appetite. Conclusions The high prevalence of capsule use and widespread perceptions of the benefits of capsules over traditional cigarettes may help explain why tobacco control policies have not reduced smoking prevalence in Mexico.

The potential impact of removing a ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems using the Mexico smoking and vaping model (SAVM)

“…To optimize the potential impact of legalizing ENDS, their regulation should be viewed as a component of a comprehensive strategy alongside strong tobacco control policies and enforcement to steer consumers away from cigarette smoking. Specifically, regulations should ban flavor capsule cigarettes, which come in a range of flavors as ENDS and are particularly popular among youth, women, and nondaily smokers (64), with increasing use rates (65,80). It is also imperative for Mexico to ratify and enforce the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Tobacco Products (71,72], as its enforcement would play a pivotal role in curbing access to and availability of tobacco and nicotine products that pose potential harm to public health.…”

“…These rates are applied each year. We conduct a sensitivity analysis and consider switching rates at 25% from US PATH rates to reflect the uncertainty on switching from cigarettes to ENDS when permissive cigarette regulations are in place (e.g., legalization of flavored tobacco-products) (64, 65). We also consider 75% of those switching rates from PATH to showcase a scenario where strong cigarette policies and strong enforcement are in place.…”

Prevalence and perceptions of flavour capsule cigarettes among adults who smoke in Brazil, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Mexico: findings from the ITC surveys

“…Flavour capsule cigarettes (FCCs) contain one or two capsules in the cigarette filter which release flavour when the consumer crushes it 2. They come in several flavours, including both traditional flavours (eg, menthol, berry) and those with ‘concept descriptors’ (eg, Mykonos Nightfall) 3–5. The choice of flavours, the enjoyment of clicking the capsule and the ability to customise when and if to crush the capsule contribute to their appeal 6–8.…”

“…Despite these trends, there is a dearth of research on the prevalence of FCC use in countries where these products are available on the market 18. Prevalence data (current or ever use among people who smoke) exist for only a handful of countries, including Australia,19 Chile,20 Mexico,5 19 21 22 Republic of Korea,23 the UK24 and the USA 19 25 26. Previous studies have found that FCC appeal and use is associated with younger age,5 19–21 24 and in some countries, with being female 5 19–21 23.…”

“…Prevalence data (current or ever use among people who smoke) exist for only a handful of countries, including Australia,19 Chile,20 Mexico,5 19 21 22 Republic of Korea,23 the UK24 and the USA 19 25 26. Previous studies have found that FCC appeal and use is associated with younger age,5 19–21 24 and in some countries, with being female 5 19–21 23. Smoking and quitting behaviours are not consistently associated with FCC use 18…”