Can Religious Fasting Nudge People to Smoke Less? Evidence from Ramadan

Based on two complementary studies-a six-wave survey of 769 individuals and an analysis of provincial-level cigarette sales from 2009 to 2020-this research shows that Ramadan significantly reduces smoking intensity and cigarette sales. Full fasters decreased smoking by 53%, and national cigarette sales fell by 14%. The effect was more pronounced in more religious provinces. These findings suggest that even short-term restrictions on smoking opportunities can lead to substantial behavioral changes, despite the addictive nature of tobacco use. These findings offer valuable insights for public health policies aiming to reduce smoking through culturally sensitive and opportunity-limiting interventions.