Reactions to a Hypothetical Menthol Cigarette Ban among Sexual- and Gender-Minoritized Communities: A Concept Mapping Study

Ashlee N. Sawyer (), Madison Combs, Viktor Clark, Eric K. Soule, Joseph G. L. Lee and Alison B. Breland
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Ashlee N. Sawyer: Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Madison Combs: Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Viktor Clark: Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Eric K. Soule: Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
Joseph G. L. Lee: Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
Alison B. Breland: Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-21

Abstract: Menthol cigarette use is disproportionately higher among sexual- and gender-minoritized (SGM; 36%) individuals compared to cisgender, heterosexual (29%), individuals. The FDA has announced intentions to ban menthol in cigarettes, citing these use and health disparities as partial motivation. This study identified potential outcomes of a menthol cigarette ban among SGM individuals who smoke menthol cigarettes (N = 72). Potential outcomes were identified via concept mapping using the prompt: “If menthol in cigarettes was banned, a specific action I would take related to my tobacco use is…” Participants generated 82 response statements, sorted them, and rated them on personal relevance. Eight thematic clusters were identified: (1) Thoughtful Consideration of the Ban, (2) Negative Reactions to the Ban, (3) Positive Aspects of the Ban, (4) Strategies to Reduce Cravings, (5) Intent to Quit and Cessation Strategies, (6) Support-Seeking and Engagement in Positive Behaviors, (7) Strategies to Maintain Menthol-Flavored Product Use, and (8) Substance Use Alternatives to Menthol Cigarettes. Cluster differences based on sociodemographic factors, smoking behavior, and quitting interest were identified. Results provide insight into potential responses to a menthol cigarette ban and can contribute to public health prevention and intervention efforts, messaging campaigns, and support services for SGM people who smoke menthol cigarettes, specifically.

Keywords: sexual minority; gender minority; LGBTQ; transgender and gender diverse (TGD); adults; menthol cigarettes; menthol ban (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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