Evaluation of the links between smoking and conspiracy mentality

Conspiratorial thinking has been linked to lower acceptance of public health recommendations, including vaccination and disease prevention. However, the relationship between conspiracy mentality (CM) and smoking behavior remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the association between CM and smoking status with a focus on perceptions of tobacco harm, industry conspiracy, and related beliefs. A total of 407 adults residing in francophone Europe completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, smoking status, COVID-19 vaccination status, conspiracy mentality (via the Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire), and beliefs about tobacco. Smoking status was categorized as current smoker (S), former smoker (FS) or non-smoker (NS). Associations were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square and correlation analyses. CM scores were significantly higher among S (35±10) compared to FS (31±10) and NS (28±8). Smokers were more likely to believe that substances such as vaccines, pesticides and antidepressants are more harmful than tobacco, and they were more likely to endorse the idea that tobacco is harmless due to its natural origin. High scores were also positively correlated with a belief in scientific data manipulation and the tobacco industry conspiracy and negatively associated with a belief in tobacco-related cancer risk, smoking bans and tobacco price increases. Individuals with higher CM were more likely to smoke and to minimize the risks associated with tobacco use. Their scepticism toward science-based health information and tobacco control measures suggests a need for adapted cessation strategies that consider conspiratorial beliefs.