Socioeconomic and demographic disparities shape smoking intensity and cessation in Turkish households using the health survey

Abstract This study investigates the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of smoking intensity in Turkish households, utilizing data from the 2022 Türkiye Health Survey. Employing a multinomial logit model, the analysis examines the relationships between smoking behaviours—categorized as heavy smoking, light smoking, quitting smoking, and never smoking—and factors such as employment status, education level, age, gender, marital status, physical and mental health, and parenthood. The results reveal significant notifications, highlighting that employment status is associated with the likelihood of heavy smoking, while higher education serves as a protective determinant against smoking intensity. Age trends demonstrate that older individuals are more likely to quit smoking, whereas divorced or widowed individuals exhibit higher smoking tendencies. Gender-specific patterns show higher tendency of being heavy smoker and cessation rates among males, while emotional distress and poor self-reported health are strongly linked to smoking intensity. Additionally, households with children are associated with lower smoking prevalence, suggesting the role of parental responsibilities in promoting healthier behaviours. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers related to the socioeconomic and demographic factors; emphasizing the need for interventions, such as workplace programs, education campaigns, gender-sensitive approaches, and physical and mental health support, to effectively reduce smoking prevalence and intensity. Future research should further explore causal mechanisms and evaluate the long-term impact of targeted anti-smoking policies.