Economic cost of cigarette smoking in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

BackgroundCigarette use is one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 41.1% of adults being current smokers in 2019 and almost half of current smokers using more than 20 cigarettes per day.MethodsThis study applies the prevalence-based, cost-of-illness approach to estimate the annual economic cost of smoking in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2019.ResultsThe study estimates that cigarette use by adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina caused between 24.4% and 42.8% of all deaths in 2019 and a total economic cost of between €367.5 and €635.1 million (2.0%–3.5% of gross domestic product). The direct costs represent the largest share of the total cost (between 1.0% and 1.7% of gross domestic product).ConclusionCigarette use imposes a significant health and economic burden in the society of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Various tobacco control measures can be implemented to prevent and reduce tobacco consumption and the negative health consequences of tobacco use. Numerous studies have shown taxes on tobacco products are very effective in reducing tobacco use, especially among certain demographic groups, such as youth and low-income individuals. Smoke-free laws have also shown benefits. Other policy measures that can be implemented include restrictions to advertising, limitations on who can purchase tobacco products, how and where they can be purchased, etc. In addition, governments could also implement various education programmes on the negative health consequences of smoking. The results of this study provide information that calls for prompt and strengthened implementation of tobacco control measures to reduce cigarette consumption in the country and improve the health outcomes and productivity of its inhabitants.

From capacity building to collaboration in tobacco economics research

“…In addition to assessing consumer responses to price increases broadly, the studies examined differences among population groups (Huque et al , 12 Merkaj et al , 13 Shimul et al 14 ) and regional trends in the affordability of cigarettes (Zubović et al 15 ). Several papers estimated the impact of tobacco on household spending and poverty (Macías Sánchez et al , 16 Mugosa et al , 17 Swarnata et al , 18 Vladisavljevic et al 19 ) as well as the overall burden on health care systems and economies (Gligorić et al , 20 Memon et al 21 ). Other research analyzed the macroeconomic impacts of tobacco taxes (Bella et al , 22 Cicowiez et al 23 ) and the illicit tobacco market (Divino et al , 24 Szklo et al 25 ).…”

“…editorial al 19 ) as well as the overall burden on health care systems and economies (Gligorić et al, 20 Memon et al 21 ). Other research analyzed the macroeconomic impacts of tobacco taxes (Bella et al, 22 Cicowiez et al 23 ) and the illicit tobacco market (Divino et al, 24 Szklo et al 25 ).…”