Insights into youth smoking initiation in Serbia

This study provides valuable insights into the determinants influencing smoking initiation among young people in Serbia, underlining the impact of cigarette prices, social influences and education. It highlights the significant influence that families and teachers have on young people’s smoking behaviour, noting that while cigarette prices have a statistically significant influence, their direct impact on smoking initiation is actually relatively weak. The results suggest that incorporating these findings into policy can help to reduce tobacco use among youth by addressing the critical role of family, peers and education.

Keywords: Youth smoking initiation, split population model, elasticity, cigarette prices, tobacco taxation

JEL classification: I12, I18, L66

Countries covered: Serbia