This systematic literature review helps fill the gap in studies that directly compare the economic burden between self-reported tobacco smokers and non-smokers

Differences in direct health care costs between self-reported tobacco smokers and non-smokers can inform tobacco control policies and enhance strategies aimed at reducing the economic burden of tobacco smoking

Meta-analysis revealed that self-reported tobacco smokers generally incurred greater health care costs than non-smokers

Sensitivity analysis excluding studies of patients with chronic disease yielded a reduced incremental cost for the general population (p = 0.02)