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.