Conversations with African Americans regarding a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: African Americans report higher use of menthol cigarettes compared to their white counterparts. Some states and localities have restricted the sale of menthol cigarettes. This study sought to understand perceptions regarding menthol cigarette use among African Americans and perceptions regarding policies that would ban the sale of menthol cigarettes.

DESIGN: Using a structured moderator guide, we conducted six virtual focus groups from July through August 2020.

SETTING: Virtual focus group participants were recruited from three New York cities.

PARTICIPANTS: 40 African American adults (15 who smoked and 25 who did not smoke).

METHODS: Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. Transcripts were coded in NVivo to identify common themes across focus groups.

RESULTS: Most participants supported a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes because they believed it would help people who smoke to quit and reduce negative health effects associated with cigarette use. Participants who opposed a ban believed that people have the right to make their own choices. Although participants expressed concern that a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes could potentially increase police interaction with the African American community, most indicated the benefits of a ban outweighed potential negative consequences.

CONCLUSION: Support for menthol bans among individuals in communities directly affected by such policies can inform efforts to educate decision makers and the public about policy actions to reduce the population health impacts of menthol tobacco products.