The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45107

James C. Hersey, PhD¹, My Charllins Vilsaint, BA², and Jane Appleyard². (1) Research Triangle Institute, 1615 M St. (Suite 740), Washington, DC 20036, (2) American Legacy Foundation, 1001 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202 454 5555, Hersey@RTI.org

This study investigated the ways in which use of light and menthol cigarettes can serve as a gateway to youth smoking, and whether youth may choose to use light cigarettes rather than quitting. The study is based on national survey data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey of middle school and high school students in 1999 and 2000, and a national telephone survey of youth aged 12 - 24 in 2001-2002.

This study assessed the relationship between menthol and light cigarette use and progression to Established Smoking. This study assessed the proportion of menthol and light cigarettes among individuals at different levels of the smoking uptake continuum and different levels of addiction to nicotine. These analyses are presented by gender and race/ethnicity -- with evidence of higher use of menthol among African American and Asian youth.

The study investigated youth understanding of the addictiveness of light and menthol cigarettes. It assessed the relationship between light cigarettes and desire for quitting and quit attempts. The study suggests that youth who smoke light and menthol cigarettes seriously underestimate the addictiveness of tobacco. Study findings highlight the importance of continuing education about light and menthol cigarettes and the need for programs to encourage smoking cessation among these youth.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Current youth understanding and use of lite and menthol cigarettes.
• 2.Assessment to the relationship between use of lite and menthol cigarettes as a gateway to smoking uptake.
• 3.Understanding of the relationship between lite cigarettes and cessation.

Keywords: Tobacco,