Tobacco spending patterns and their health-related implications in Turkey

A variety of censored dependent variable models are used to identify the impacts of social and economic variables on the decision to consume and the amount of expenditure on tobacco in Turkey. Using data from the Turkish Household Expenditure Survey, the odds of smoking and spending level on tobacco products are investigated jointly. Statistical tests identify the inverse hyperbolic sine double-hurdle model as the preferred model. Socio-demographic factors are found to have differentiated effects on participation and level decisions. Findings can inform deliberations of policy measures to curtail tobacco consumption and reduce the costs of the public healthcare system.