A study on Happiness and Quality of Life based on Smoking Status

Abstract

Introduction:The purpose of the study is to compare the level of Happiness and Quality of Life in smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. The study is important in identifying the level of happiness and Quality of life in smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers. Tobacco use in for of cigarettes is highly prevalent in India especially in corporate and service sector. This study also provided an insight as to how status of smoking can affect level happiness and Quality of life of a person. Methodology: 55 participants working in corporate sector were purposively selected from Mumbai region. The participants were required to fill a consent form prior to the administration of the tests. The researcher provided information to the participants about the principle of confidentiality and each participant was assigned a code number to keep their identity confidential. The data was collected using the survey method. Oxford Happiness Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF were administered on each participant. Result: The first research question was that happiness will be higher in ex-smokers than smokers. The statistical result obtained was in line with the hypothesis and also in line with previous studies. No significant difference was found between ex-smoker and non-smoker and between smoker and nonsmoker. This result could be because smokers experience temporary reduction in stress which can result in increase of happiness. Conclusion:The findings indicate the ex-smokers have high level of happiness than smokers. It was also found that Quality of life in psychology domain is higher in ex-smoker compared to smokers.