The Impacts of Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption on Public Health and Medical Insurance in China Against the Backdrop of Economic Development

Huan Meng

doi:10.54254/2754-1169/2026.GT33295

Huan Meng^*

Central University of Finance and Economics

^* Corresponding author: Menghuan6609@126.com

Published: 6 May 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54254/2754-1169/2026.GT33295

Abstract

Against the backdrop of economic development, international studies focus on the correlations between tobacco and alcohol use and health behaviors across different populations, as well as pathways for science popularization and education. While domestic research confirms significant associations between tobacco and alcohol addiction and human health indicators, while pointing out gaps between China's tobacco and alcohol control efforts and those of the United States, highlighting the urgent need to learn from mature regulatory models. This study analyzes macroeconomic data, health statistics, and employs econometric models, revealing that economic development raises household incomes, which in turn drives up tobacco and alcohol consumption. Excessive consumption of these substances causes irreversible damage to multiple human systems, elevates the incidence of chronic diseases and cancers, increases maternal and child health risks, and extends harm to non-consumers through secondhand smoke and alcohol-related risks. Health issues stemming from tobacco and alcohol consumption drive up social medical expenses, exacerbate payment pressures and operational risks for medical insurance funds, and increase difficulties in insurance product pricing and risk control. Although the tobacco industry contributes to short-term economic growth and tax revenues, its long-term and widespread health hazards create a striking contradiction. This study clarifies the close links among tobacco and alcohol consumption, public health, and the medical insurance system, and proposes policy interventions to guide tobacco and alcohol consumption, providing references for the sustainable development of related undertakings.

Keywords: Economic development , Tobacco and alcohol , Public health , Medical insurance

AEMPS Vol.268

ISSN (Print): 2754-1169

ISSN (Online): 2754-1177

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-717-6

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-718-3

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Article Information

Received: 7 April 2026

Published: 6 May 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54254/2754-1169/2026.GT33295

Article Type: Research Article

Cite this article

Meng,H. (2026). The Impacts of Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption on Public Health and Medical Insurance in China Against the Backdrop of Economic Development. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,268,83-90.

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About this Volume

Volume Title: AEMPS Vol.268

Part of Series: Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences

ISSN: 2754-1169 (Print) / 2754-1177 (Online)

Article Information

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