ADHERENCE TO A SMOKING CESSATION GROUP BY SMOKERS ASSISTED AT A BASIC HEALTH UNIT

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the profile of smokers assisted at a basic health unit and understand the aspects related to adherence to a smoking cessation group. Method: Cross-sectional study with smokers assisted at a Basic Health Unit in Maringá in the State of Paraná. Data collection and descriptive analysis were performed in August-September 2016. Results:Seventy-two (72) smokers participated in the study. Of these, 51 were unaware of the National Tobacco Control Program (PNCT) and the proposed cessation groups. The barriers to adherence to the intervention groups identified in this study were difficult access (transportation) to the health unit and inability to join the groups due to the smokers’ routine. Forty-two (42) respondents were willing to participate in a group intervention targeted to tobacco control and said that greater access to information and changes in the approaches used in these interventions were necessary.Conclusion: active search of the individuals in the community and use of a dynamic approach in group interventions are needed to meet the real needs of the participants. The variables identified may contribute to increase the participation of smokers in the program and, hence, smoking cessation rates.

Keywords

• Primary health care
• Smoking cessation
• National tobacco control program
• Tobacco
• Public health