Evaluation of Cessation Preferences of Menthol Smoker

Evaluation of Cessation Preferences of Menthol Smokers

The primary aim of this study is to determine menthol smokers' perception, product preference, and pattern of use across six products including, mint-flavored nicotine gum; non-flavored nicotine gum; mentholated nicotine inhaler; and non-menthol nicotine inhaler. Participants will undergo an orientation and baseline assessment followed by a 2-week product sampling phase. At the end of the 2 weeks of sampling, subjects will select a product to use during the following 2-week smoking cessation phase. This 2-week abstinence phase is followed by one week of abrupt withdrawal of the product. This study design was successfully used in a study we conducted that examined the smokers' preference for a variety or oral tobacco products.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-identified as African American or Black;
• Aged 18 years or older;
• High school graduate or GED;
• Smoking at least 10 cigarettes daily for the past year;
• Usually smoked mentholated cigarette brand (greater than 80% of the time) in the past two years;
• Good physical health (no unstable medical condition);
• No contraindications for nicotine inhaler or gum use, such as mouth sores or significant dental or jaw problems;
• Stable, good health.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent unstable or untreated psychiatric diagnosis including substance abuse, as determined by the DSM-IV criteria;
• Currently using other tobacco or nicotine products other than cigarettes;
• Pregnant or nursing.