What question did this study set out to answer?

Examine the impact of demographic factors like income, age, and education on smoking behavior among low-income forest farmers.

April 3, 2026

The Influence of Demographic Factors on Smoking Behavior Among Low-Income Forest Farmers: Evidence in West Java and Nusa Tenggara Provinces, Indonesia

Key Points

Examine the impact of demographic factors like income, age, and education on smoking behavior among low-income forest farmers.
Conducted in Ciamis Regency, Tasikmalaya, and Sumbawa in 2023
Analyzed 90 farming households selected through purposive sampling
Utilized quantile linear regression to assess smoking behavior across different levels
Income significantly influenced smoking levels (p < 0.01)
Age positively correlated with higher cigarette consumption (p = 0.049)
Education had limited impact except for specific areas, reducing spending in Labuhanbadas
Average daily consumption varied by location: 9 to 44 cigarettes
Women significantly controlled cigarette spending due to their role in family needs

Abstract

Smoking constitutes a significant issue in Indonesia, particularly among low-income forest farmers. Cigarettes are the second-highest household expenditure after rice, potentially comprising almost 40% of total annual income. In 2022, the prevalence of smokers aged 15 years and older was recorded at 28.26%, with West Nusa Tenggara ranking second (26.59%). This situation exacerbates poverty and reduces the quality of human resources. The study was conducted in 2023 in Ciamis Regency, Tasikmalaya (West Java), and Sumbawa (West Nusa Tenggara), areas with high cigarette consumption. The aim was to analyze the influence of demographic factors (income, age, and education) on smoking behavior at light, moderate, and heavy levels, and their implications for control strategies. This study introduces a novel categorization of three smoking levels and assesses the impact of demographic factors using quantile linear regression (QLR) to derive more effective solutions. A total of 90 farming households were selected through purposive sampling. The results showed that income significantly influenced all smoking levels (p < 0.01). Age was positively associated with cigarette consumption, especially at high levels (p = 0.049). Education generally had no effect, except in Labuhanbadas, where higher education reduced family cigarette spending because highly educated family members tended to live outside the village. Average daily consumption was recorded at nine cigarettes (Cukangkawung), 24 cigarettes (Labuhanbadas), and up to 44 cigarettes (Sukaharja). Women play a significant role in controlling cigarette spending because they are responsible for the family’s food needs. The smoking behavior of farmers is predominantly affected by income and age, with education playing a role only in particular contexts. Smoking control policies must account for economic, social, and cultural factors, engage partners, and implement income diversification strategies.

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