Unhappiness and Smoking Behavior among Vietnamese Men

Abstract

Smoking remains one of the most prevalent and deleterious health behaviors globally. The persistence of smoking as a significant public health challenge is underscored by its addictive nature, which complicates cessation efforts, and the profound health and economic consequences associated with continued use. Recent research has begun to explore the connection between psychological well-being and smoking behavior, aiming to elucidate how emotional states might influence health-related behaviors. This study examines the relationship between unhappiness and smoking behavior among Vietnamese men, using data from the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 6, covering approximately 5,000 men surveyed between 2020 and 2021. Employing a fixed effects regression model, our analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between unhappiness and smoking. Specifically, being unhappy increases the likelihood of ever trying cigarettes by 7.3 percentage points, recent smoking by 10.0 percentage points, daily smoking by 7.8 percentage points, and the number of cigarettes smoked in the past 24 hours by 1.505 cigarettes. These findings carry substantial economic implications, particularly regarding public health expenditure, workforce productivity, and the long-term costs associated with smoking-related illnesses. Smoking imposes a significant economic burden on individuals and healthcare systems, encompassing both direct costs such as medical treatments and indirect costs including lost productivity due to illness and premature mortality. Our research contributes to identifying preventive strategies that enhance emotional well-being and potentially reduce smoking prevalence. Moreover, if interventions designed to increase happiness are shown to decrease smoking rates effectively, they could inform policy decisions to prioritize mental health and preventive care, yielding long-term economic benefits. The presenting topic further aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations members, notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).