Understanding the determinants of health-compromising behaviours in China

Fu, Lin (2020). Understanding the determinants of health-compromising behaviours in China. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Fu2020PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only until 24 April 2025.
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Using of the 2011, 2013, and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we identify the role of cognitive abilities on three unhealthy behaviours among the middle-aged and elderly people in China. We find that individuals with higher cognitive ability scores are less likely to be current smokers, heavy alcohol drinkers, and physically inactive.

Based on the same dataset, we investigate the influence of the time to the first cigarette (TTFC) after waking up on smoking cessation among the middle-aged and elderly people in China. We find that the TTFC contributes to smoking cessation. Also, the positive association between the TTFC and the probability of smoking cessation is higher among light smokers than among heavy smokers.

Using of the 2014 wave of the China Family Panel Studies, we investigate the extent to which time preferences may be associated with the probability of being overweight or obese and Body Mass Index (BMI). We find that time preferences are positively associated with the probability of being overweight or obese and BMI in the Chinese context. In addition, the association between time preferences and the probability of being overweight is higher than the corresponding relationship with obesity.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):