| Abstract |
This study delves into the nuanced relationship between heightened health awareness amid the COVID-19 pandemic with household intoxicant consumption patterns in India. The central hypothesis posits the pandemic as a transformative shock, shaping both health awareness and intoxicant consumption, guided by risk aversion. Analysis using a difference-in-differences approach underscores a substantial reduction in intoxicant expenditures for households without health insurance compared to households with health insurance during the pandemic, with specific categories like cigarettes, tobacco and liquor expenditure experiencing a drop for uninsured households. In rural areas households lacking health insurance exhibit a notable reduction in intoxicant expenditures than the rural areas. This study contributes to the understanding of economic and behavioural responses to health crises, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between risk perception, health awareness, and consumption choices in challenging times. |