Cessation Outcomes of Menthol Smokers Seeking Treatment through a Quitline

Audience: Tobacco control funders, quitline operators, cessation researchers, and others interested in treatment for menthol smokers.

Key Points: The Food and Drug Administration is currently considering regulatory action on tobacco products, including a ban on menthol cigarettes. There is a need to better understand whether existing cessation programs, such as quitlines, are engaging menthol smokers. The purpose of this study was to examine cessation outcomes of menthol and non-menthol smokers that were seeking treatment through a quitline. Minnesota quitline data were obtained for the study period: September 2009 – July 2011 (n=6257). A sample of eligible participants who registered for counseling services between March 2010 – February 2011, were contacted for a follow-up survey seven months post-registration (n=1147). Findings indicated that 18.7% of smokers who called the quitline reported using menthol cigarettes. Menthol smokers who called the quitline were less likely to enroll in services than non-menthol smokers (92.2% vs 94.8%, p=.000).  However, there were no differences in self-reported intention-to-treat 30-day point prevalence abstinence rates between menthol and non-menthol smokers (17.3% vs 13.8%, p=.191). Thus, the Minnesota quitline appears to be adequately serving those menthol smokers who call for help. However, if a menthol ban motivates many menthol smokers to quit, quitlines nationally may have to increase their capacity to meet the increase in demand.

Educational Experience: Key study findings will be presented and participants will have the opportunity to discuss implications for quitline services.

Benefits: This session provides clear information of the potential of quitlines to help menthol smokers quit.