A team of researchers at Rutgers University has secured over $7 million in funding to investigate public perceptions surrounding a potential ban on menthol cigarettes. The initiative, led by an unnamed team, aims to challenge widespread misinformation and provide accurate information about the health impacts of menthol cigarettes. Over the next five years, the researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of their public health campaign, which includes developing counter-messages to debunk myths and collaborating with community members to raise awareness about the dangers of menthol and flavored cigars.
This study comes at a critical time when the debate over menthol cigarette bans intensifies, highlighting significant health disparities. Menthol cigarettes have been criticized for their role in exacerbating health issues among racial and ethnic minorities, particularly within African American communities, where the prevalence of menthol cigarette usage is disproportionately high. The Rutgers team’s efforts to educate and engage with these communities could play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities and underrepresentation in public health initiatives.
By focusing on the dissemination of factual information and working closely with affected communities, the Rutgers study aims to pave the way for more informed public discourse and policy decisions regarding menthol cigarette regulation. This approach not only targets the immediate concerns associated with menthol cigarette consumption but also addresses the broader issue of health equity among diverse populations in the United States.
See “Rutgers researchers receive more than $7 million to study perceptions of a ban on menthol cigarettes” by Aubrey Whelan on the Philadelphia Inquirer website (February 12, 2024)
