A cross-sectional study of menthol cigarette preference by 14- to 15-year-old smokers in New Zealand.

INTRODUCTION

This study investigates the epidemiology of menthol cigarette preference, its association with smoking initiation, and nicotine addiction measured by loss of autonomy among New Zealand adolescent smokers.

METHODS

Data from the 2006-2009 national surveys among New Zealand Year 10 students (14-15 years old) were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Menthol preference was an outcome variable; demographic factors and smoking status were covariates. Loss of autonomy and menthol preference were examined using multiple linear regression analysis. The Hooked on Nicotine Checklist measured loss of autonomy as an outcome variable. Menthol status, smoking status, and demographic factors were covariates. All analyses were controlled for clustering of data by school.

RESULTS

Overall, 17.7% of New Zealand 14- to 15-year-old smokers in this study indicated a preference for menthol cigarette, with greater odds of menthol cigarette preference among girls (odds ratio [OR] = 2.43; 95% CI = 2.15-2.75), ethnic minorities (Māori OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.07-1.36, Asians OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.79-2.82, Pacific Islanders OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.52-2.19), smokers from high socioeconomic status schools (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.03-1.49), when parents smoked (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03-1.31), and newer smokers (smoked 11-100 cigarettes OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03-1.31, smoking on a monthly OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.00-1.37, and a weekly basis OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.15-1.44). No significant correlation was found among those who smoked 1-10 cigarettes in total (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.86-1.20) nor was any correlation found between menthol preference and nicotine addiction measured by loss of autonomy (coef. = -.21, p value = .165).

CONCLUSION

This study found inequalities in menthol cigarette preference among New Zealand adolescent smokers, consistent with patterns found in the United States but did not find any significant correlation between menthol preference and loss of autonomy.