Unveiling Smoke Signals: An Empirical Examination of the Escalating Smoking Trend in Pakistan and Its Dual Impact on Health and Economy

Muhammad Ali; Waqar Ameer; Muhammad Hassan Danish

doi:10.52015/jrss.14i1.325

Authors

Muhammad Ali Department of Economics, Al-Madinah International University Malaysia (MEDIU) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2339-2364
Waqar Ameer Associate Professor School of Economics, Shandong Technology and Business University, Yantai City, Shandong Province, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1762-8158
Muhammad Hassan Danish Assistant Professor, School of Commerce and Accountancy , University of Management and Technology, Lahore, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9031-3614

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52015/jrss.14i1.325

Keywords:

Smoking Trend, Cigarette, Health Impacts, Economic Cost

Abstract

This empirical study investigates the rising prevalence of smoking in Pakistan and its subsequent effects on health, economy and societal well-being using cross-sectional data. We have used statistical tools such as ANOVA and correlation analysis to analyse the results. Thirteen hundred and seventy-five (1375) participants took part in this survey across eight cities, and the dataset was collected through a study of smokers. Our findings reveal that more than 68% proportion of smokers belong to the lower income group. Moreover, 58.20% of uneducated individuals smoked compared to 39.73% of educated individuals. Results reveal that the smoking trend among emerging adults is increasing, and participants aged 55 and above suffer from more health issues due to smoking. Despite the higher health risk associated with smoking, ominously, the prevalence rate is rising speedily, which can eventually contribute to numerous health diseases. The economic costs, both in terms of wasted money spent on smoking and expenses incurred due to associated health issues, underscore the negative impact on public health and society. Results of this study reveal that more taxes should be levied on tobacco to discourage smoking among low-income groups. Finally, anti-smoking campaigns, health literacy programs, and seminars should be organized in institutions and public places.

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies.

Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.

Data Fabrication/Falsification Statement: The author(s) declare that no data have been fabricated, falsified, or manipulated in this study.