Flavoring Patterns of Exclusive and Dual-Use of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes Among US Adults: Results from the TUS-CPS 2018-2019

Abstract

Purpose: To describe patterns of menthol/non-menthol cigarettes with flavored e-cigarettes (tobacco, menthol, sweet/spicy, and other flavorings) use. Design: We used cross-sectional data from the 2018-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). Setting: United States. Subjects: Adults over 18 years old. Sample: A nationally representative sample (n = 135 329). Measures: We generated a 15-category variable of all combinations of cigarette and e-cigarette flavoring use. Analysis: We estimated population prevalence (PP) for the 15-category flavored cigarette and e-cigarette use variable and proportion of flavored cigarette and e-cigarette use among adults who used cigarettes or e-cigarettes (PAU) by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Results: Exclusive menthol cigarette use was higher among NH Black (PP = 8.79%, PAU = 68.96%) and low-income (PP = 4.86%, PAU = 29.09%) compared to NH White (PP = 2.63%, PAU = 18.83%) and high-income participants (PP = 1.25%, PAU = 19.02%). Exclusive sweet/spicy e-cigarette use (PP = 1.32%, PAU = 10.22%) and exclusive menthol e-cigarette use (PP =.95%, PAU = 7.40%) was higher in younger (18-34) vs older (35+) adults (PP =.34% and PAU = 2.76%, and PP =.14%, PAU = 1.11%, respectively). Older dual users tended to combine the same flavor in both products (eg, menthol cigarettes + menthol e-cigarettes), while younger adults were more likely to combine menthol and non-menthol cigarettes with sweet/spicy e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Findings suggest that a menthol cigarette ban might be most effective in conjunction with sweet/spicy e-cigarette flavor restrictions, given these flavors are attractive for younger adults.