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

Introduction:
This text summarizes the results of a study examining changes in smoking behavior among young adults and the potential influence of menthol cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products on these changes. The study uses data from the 2011 National Young Adult Health Survey to categorize cigarette smoking trajectories and assess the relationship between tobacco product use and changes in smoking behavior.

Key Points:

* The study found that most young adults (73.1%) reported stable cigarette smoking behaviors, 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 of increasing cigarette use over the past year compared to those aged 30-34.
* Black smokers had significantly higher odds of increasing cigarette use over the past year compared to white smokers.
* Menthol cigarette use nearly doubled the odds of increased smoking behavior.
* E-cigarette use was not associated with increasing smoking, but OTP use was negatively associated with remaining quit from cigarettes.
* Young adulthood is a critical period for smoking interventions, particularly among those most vulnerable to increasing smoking behaviors (ie, black and younger young adults).
* Policy efforts to restrict menthol cigarettes may reduce young adult smoking progression.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of focusing on young adulthood as a critical period for smoking interventions and the potential impact of menthol cigarettes on smoking progression among young adults. The findings suggest that policy efforts to restrict menthol cigarettes may be an effective strategy for reducing young adult smoking. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for further research on the relationship between e-cigarettes and other tobacco products and changes in smoking behavior.

Delnevo, Cristine D, Andrea C Villanti, Olivia A Wackowski, Daniel A Gundersen, and Daniel P Giovenco. “The Influence of Menthol, e-Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products on Young Adults’ Self-Reported Changes in Past Year Smoking.” Tobacco Control 25, no. 5 (September 2016): 571–74. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2015-052325.