Percepção de tabagistas sobre a cessação tabágica: estratégias e desafios.

Abstract

The use of tobacco products is considered the leading cause of preventable and premature deaths worldwide. In Brazil, to combat the prevalence and negative impacts of tobacco consumption, the National Tobacco Control Program (PNCT) was implemented in 2023, which had expanded access in Primary Care and Medium Complexity units of the Unified Health System. Access to the program, the effective organization of support groups and the competence of health professionals in monitoring the routine are crucial aspects that still need improvement. In this context, the research aimed to understand the perception of smokers about the challenges faced in quitting smoking, by investigating the factors that influence this experience. This is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out with smokers participating in the Smoking Cessation group in the municipality of Cuité, PB, from December 2024 to March 2025. The final sample consisted of 13 participants who shared their experiences during the process of quitting smoking. The analyses revealed that the main motivations for quitting included health concerns, improved quality of life, and financial impact. Among the most frequent difficulties, withdrawal symptoms, environmental triggers, and emotional triggers, such as anxiety, stood out. Participants resorted to strategies such as replacing habits, using nicotine patches, and practicing physical activity. The support group emerged as an essential component in the process, providing emotional support, professional monitoring, and strengthening social bonds. The findings show that smoking cessation is a multifactorial process that requires continuous and integrated interventions. The support group proved to be effective as a therapeutic and humanized tool, especially in contexts of social vulnerability. The maintenance and expansion of these groups, combined with intersectoral and sustainable public policies, are essential for strengthening tobacco control actions and promoting health equity.