Menthol cigarette smoking and health, Florida 2007 BRFSS.

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between menthol cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence, quit attempts, and physical and mental health.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the 2007 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and a follow-up survey among current smokers (N = 3396). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

In multivariate analyses, menthol cigarette smoking was associated with women, African American and Hispanic race/ethnicity, and greater mental distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Women, racial/ethnic minorities, and individuals reporting a greater frequency of mental distress are more likely to smoke menthol versus nonmenthol cigarettes. Implications for public health policy and cessation interventions are discussed.