Guanping Zhong Yang Shu Hongwei Li Yuelin Zhou Qiaoying Wei Biao Yang Lian Yang ^*

• Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China

Purpose: This study explored the effect of four different smoking statuses (nonsmokers,moderate smokers, heavy smokers, and former smokers) on healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) among residents aged 15 years and older in Sichuan Province,China with consideration of potential differences among age groups (young,middle-aged,and older adults).The EQ-5D-5L utility index and EQ-VAS score in the EQ-5D-5L scale were used to measure HRQOL.Self-reporting and salivary cotinine test were used to determine the smoking status of respondents, and the Tobit regression model was used to explore the relationship between smoking status and HRQOL.The Tobit regression model found a significant correlation between smoking status and HRQOL.Heavy smokers reported a lower EQ-VAS score compared to nonsmokers ( p < 0.01); the EQ-5D-5L utility index and EQ-VAS score reported by former smokers were lower compared to nonsmokers ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) . In the young population, the EQ-VAS score of heavy smokers was lower than that of nonsmokers ( p < 0.05); In the middle-aged population, the EQ-VAS score of heavy smokers was lower than that of nonsmokers ( p < 0.05).The EQ-5D-5L utility index and EQ-VAS score of former smokers were lower than that of nonsmokers( p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, in the older adult population, the EQ-5D-5L utility index and EQ-VAS score of moderate smokers were higher compared to nonsmokers( p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively).This study found a significant correlation between HRQOL and smoking status,with notable differences in the relationship between smoking, EQ-5D-5L utility index,and EQ-VAS scores across age groups. We recommend targeted measures to control tobacco use based on age,considering specific smoking risks for each group.In particular, attention should be paid to the harm of smoking among young and middle-aged groups, reduce the occurrence of smoking behavior through publicity and early intervention, and provide appropriate health interventions for the elderly group. In addition, effective smoking cessation support policies should be developed to encourage residents to quit or reduce smoking frequency, avoid the progression of moderate smoking to heavy smoking and thus lead to serious health threats.