Flavor restrictions affect tobacco buyers differently depending on socioeconomic status, researchers say

Restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes and improving access to affordable nicotine replacement therapy can reduce tobacco-related socioeconomic disparities, according to a study by Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Cigarette smoking, a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., shows higher rates among lower socioeconomic groups due to targeted marketing. Using an Experimental Tobacco Marketplace, researchers found that banning menthol cigarettes significantly reduced purchase disparities, highlighting the importance of assessing policy impacts. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive tobacco restrictions and examining the interaction between different policies to address health disparities effectively. The research, supported by the National Cancer Institute, aims to forecast the impact of policies on public health.