BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented the high prevalence of tobacco consumption among people residing in Lebanon. Public policy on tobacco control and taxation remains lacking, with weak implementation of tobacco control policies and low tax on tobacco products. The financial crisis of 2019, characterized by a massive devaluation of currency, led to a decrease in real value of local taxes, and a depreciation of income. The impact of these changes on affordability of tobacco is not clear. The main focus of the study is to document stylized facts on tobacco behavior post-crisis, and how it compares to previous findings.
METHODS: We conducted a nationally representative survey on tobacco consumption. The survey included comprehensive questions on current and retrospective tobacco consumption habits and spending. We conducted an exploratory study focused on the association between tobacco consumption and spending and demographic characteristics. We measure prevalence of tobacco consumption stratified by gender, age, education, and income. We explore the age profile of consumption by investigating the age of onset by birth cohorts.
RESULTS: The results show a persistently high level of tobacco consumption that is comparable to pre-crisis levels. The findings also show distinguishable patterns in smoking habits across demographic groups. For instance, in terms of product of choice, women and younger individuals were significantly more likely to be water pipe smokers versus men and older individuals who are primarily cigarette smokers. The data also shows significant association between education and type of smoking. Finally we find a negative trend in age of onset of smoking and birth cohorts, with younger birth cohorts initiating smoking at an earlier age.
CONCLUSIONS: This study documents important trends in tobacco consumption post financial crisis in Lebanon. The evidence shows significant impact of the crisis and various aspects of tobacco consumption. We also show important demographic patterns in tobacco consumption.