Tobacco Consumption Pattern in Different Economies: A Comparison Among High, Middle and Low Income Group Countries

Consumption of tobacco (particularly smoking) is a very common thing in our society. It has reached to monstrous proportion as more than a billion people consume it on a regular basis. The tobacco consumption in developing world and transitional economies, are much grave than in the developed world (according to WHO). The study tries to find, if there is discernable pattern of tobacco consumers and does the state of economy in which the person resides, has an impact on the market value of tobacco industry. The study, also only focuses on youth (up to the age of 35), for the reason that it is highly unlikely for a non tobacco consumer to become one after 35. People take up to smoking etc. during their teens and once that phase is over, the danger is largely subsided. This study is one of a kind in testing whether the overall economic condition of a country, is a fillip enough for the youth to take up tobacco. It analyses the high income group, middle income group and low income group of nations for the above mentioned purpose. The middle income group of countries (BRICSA) receives special attention because the problem is most deeply rooted there. Therefore, the middle income group is tested for similitude among themselves apart from being compared income group wise. This study aims to attract the attention of the policy makers of all the income group countries in general and middle income group countries in particular, to implement effective measures in place to mitigate the problem.