Evaluation of a Statewide Flavored Tobacco Restriction on Use, Access, and Cessation Among Black and White Tobacco Users in Massachusetts

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the impact of a statewide flavored tobacco restriction among Massachusetts residents who use menthol or flavored tobacco and to assess differences in impact between Black and White users, as the tobacco industry has targeted menthol to Black users. Design An online survey was distributed through a panel provider and household mailings. Setting Eleven Massachusetts communities with higher-than-state-average Black, Indigenous or People of Color populations Subjects Black (n = 63) and White (n = 231) non-Hispanic residents who used menthol or other flavored tobacco products in the past year. Measures Impact of the law on use, access, and quitting behaviors. Analysis Outcomes were assessed between Blacks and Whites using Pearson chi-square tests. Results Over half (53% of White, 57% of Black) of respondents believed the law made it more difficult to access menthol products; two-thirds (67% of White,64% of Black) accessed menthol products in another state. Black users were significantly more likely to report purchasing menthol products off the street ( P ≤ .05). One-third (28% of White, 32% of Black) believed the law made it easier to quit, and one-third (27% of White, 34% of Black) completely quit in the past year. Conclusions Flavored tobacco restrictions may positively and equitably impact cessation. Cross-border access and off-the-street purchasing suggest the need for greater cessation support and underscore the importance of a national policy.