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[Economic approaches to smoking].
Michel Grignon1, Bertrand Pierrard
1Institut de recherche et de documentation en économie de la santé (IRDES), 10, rue Vauvenargues, 75018 Paris, France. grignon@irdes.fr
Medecine Sciences : M/S
|September 14, 2004
Summary
Economists analyze tobacco addiction using two models: rational addiction and health capital. The health capital model better explains smoking behavior, suggesting targeted quitting programs are more effective than tax hikes.
Area of Science:
- Economics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Context:
- Economic models are used to understand tobacco addiction and inform regulatory policies.
- Two primary theoretical frameworks exist: rational addiction and health capital.
Purpose:
- To review and compare economic literature on tobacco consumption and addiction models.
- To evaluate the empirical evidence supporting rational addiction versus health capital theories.
- To inform policy decisions regarding tobacco control strategies.
Summary:
- The rational addiction model posits individuals trade present smoking freedom for future choice.
- The health capital model suggests individuals balance current pleasure against life expectancy.
- Empirical evidence favors the health capital model over the rational addiction model.
Impact:
- Distinguishing between models is crucial for effective tobacco control policy.
- If rational addiction holds, continuous tax increases are recommended.
- If health capital dominates, subsidies for quitting programs and partial prohibitions are more effective.