Determinants of Smoking Intensity among Adult Male in Bangladesh: Evidence from Multiple Linear Regression Analysis

This research illustrates which factors influence the level of smoking among adult men in Bangladesh, depending on different social and ecological per-spectives. Data were collected from 738 male smoker respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study areas covered: Industrial–Urban (Gazipur and Natore), Agro–Rural (Dinajpur, Patuakhali, and Sunamganj), and Eco–Fragile or Remote (Bagerhat and Bandarban). A multiple linear regression model was applied to find out the main factors related to daily tobacco consumption. The model was statistically significant (F = 4.603, p < 0.001) and accounted for nearly 10% of the variation in smoking intensity (Adjusted R² = 0.096). Among the tested variables, two stood out as significant predictors: the price per stick (β = –0.20, p < 0.001), suggesting that higher prices lead to reduced smoking, and the type of tobacco smoked (bidi or cigarette; β = 0.18, p < 0.001), which indicates greater consumption among bidi or cigarette users. Other socio-demographic and occupational characteristics did not show meaningful associations. Overall, the findings point to economic and product-related aspects as stronger drivers of smoking behavior than factors such as age or education. Therefore, policy initiatives should combine tax-based price increases with measures addressing specific tobacco types—for example, tighter regulation of low-cost bidis and cessation support for groups at higher risk. Emphasizing the intensity of smoking rather than only its prevalence may offer a more accurate understanding of nicotine dependency and help Bangladesh move closer to its goal of becoming a tobacco-free country by 2040.