Social Capital and Tobacco Use over Time: A Longitudinal Study in India

Shrestha Saha, National University of Singapore

Background: This longitudinal study examines the impact of social capital on tobacco consumption behavior in India, utilizing two-wave data from the WHO-SAGE panel Survey. Methods: Participants were categorized as baseline tobacco users (N=2258) and non-users (N=1684). From these groups, three dependent variables were formed: baseline users who remained users, baseline users who ceased use, and baseline non-users who initiated tobacco use by the follow-up. Logistic regression assessed the impact of baseline social capital—generalized trust, particularized trust, and social participation—on changes in tobacco use, as well as how changes in these indicators over time affected tobacco use. Results: The results of this study indicate a complex relationship between social capital and tobacco use. Particularized trust reduced the likelihood of starting tobacco (OR 0.80, p < 0.05), while generalized trust increased the likelihood of continued use (OR 1.51, p < 0.001). Baseline social participation predicts continued use among existing users (OR 1.50 p < 0.001). Persistent generalized trust was linked to higher cessation rates (OR 1.46, p < 0.001), but new social participation increased the risk of initiation (OR 2.13, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights the dual role of social capital in tobacco consumption, emphasizing the need for targeted public health strategies in India.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population and Development, Population Policies, Longitudinal studies

See paper.