The economic cost of smoking : the Maltese context

Abstract

Objective: To calculate the economic cost of smoking in Malta by estimating the total cost of medical expenses, incurred by the Maltese Health services. Nonetheless, also estimating the economic impact of lost productivity caused by smoking-attributable early deaths. Methods: A prevalence based disease specific approach was applied where lung cancer was the disease considered. The primary data source was the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), 2015 and the attributable risks gathered from the Cancer Prevention Study 2 (CPS2). The direct costs were calculated in accordance with the Annual Cost Approach while for the indirect cost the Human Capital Approach was utilised. Results: Based on the assumptions taken the total economic cost of smoking in Malta amounted to €17.7m for the year 2015. From this figure, €11.5m are allocated to the direct smoking attributable healthcare expenditure while €6.2m are attributed to the indirect smoking mortality costs. Conclusion: It is evident that the economic cost of smoking is a considerable burden on the Maltese economy. However, with considerable amount of preventative measures this could be resolved, as seen throughout the years.