Factors associated with demand for tobacco across Malaysia regions: participation and level of consumption

Tobacco consumption is a serious public health concern. To design a better tobacco regulation, it is important for policy makers to understand which group of population consumes or does not consume tobacco. The objective of thisstudy is to examine sociodemographic factors associated with consumption of tobacco among households in Malaysia. Data are obtained from the Malaysian Household Expenditure Survey (HES) 2014 (n = 10665). A double-hurdle model is utilised to analyse participation (extensive margin) and level (intensive margin) of consumption of tobacco. Age is negatively associated with the likelihood of consuming tobacco but positively associated with the amount consumed. Household size and households headed by males are positively correlated with participation and level decisions of tobacco consumption. Being married is associated with a reduced likelihood of tobacco consumption and the amount consumed. Households with less-educated heads are more likely to consume tobacco but consume less than households with well-educated heads. Being employed and alcohol consumption are positively associated with consumption likelihood and the amount consumed. In conclusion, sociodemographic factors play an important role in explaining participation and level decisions of tobacco. Intervention measures directed toward reducing tobacco consumption among households that have a high tendency to consume tobacco or consume more may hold promise.