Understanding unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking: a social phenomenology approach

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this paper is to understand the experience of smokers in view of unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking. Method: This study is based on social phenomenology. Between November and December of 2014, nine interviews were conducted with people that had attempted to quit smoking. The content of these interviews was analyzed and discussed based on the related literature. Results: Unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking are related to tobacco addiction; cigarettes are seen as a support to cope with everyday stressful situations. Attempts to quit the smoking habits were based on the need of health improvement and insistence of family and friends. Smokers reported the use of habit cessation strategies learned in support groups, but they also express expectation of specialized psychological support. Conclusion: The study points out the need to expand the strategies of approaching smokers, and reinforcing psychological support in order to achieve success in the attempt to quit smoking.

Fatores Associados Ao Tabagismo Em Usuários Da Estratégia Saúde Da Família

“…Tal resultado pode ser atribuído à situação de vulnerabilidade comum nos indivíduos divorciados, viúvos ou que moram sozinhos. Por outro lado, nos casados ou que vivem com companheiro, o apoio entre o casal pode favorecer o abandono do uso de tabaco (21) . Entretanto, em pesquisa transversal de base populacional (22) com 2.153 mulheres, constatou-se que aquelas em união estável são mais propensas a serem fumantes em comparação com as solteiras (OR = 2,49; IC95%: 1,12-5,53).…”

Cessação do tabagismo entre usuários da estratégia saúde da família

“…Dessa forma, as orientações dos profissionais da estratégia saúde da família sobre o tabagismo e suas implicações para a saúde são relevantes e devem ser realizadas com maior frequência 20 . Nesse sentido, os grupos de prevenção e tratamento para os tabagistas nos serviços de atenção básica beneficiam os clientes, além de representarem o lócus onde os profissionais têm a oportunidade de conhecer e acompanhar os usuários, em seu contexto social 21 .…”

Ações em saúde às pessoas idosas consumidoras de substâncias psicoativas

“…However, elderly smokers tend to be less motivated to stop smoking, for they underestimate the risks they run, and consider themselves relatively immune to the harm caused by smoking, because they have been using the substance for many years and have survived the excessive death rates caused by tobacco. 9 Among the characteristics of the smoking cessation process, the following predictors of success were identified: presence of a companion, high initial degree of motivation to quit smoking, and use of cognitive strategies (e.g., self-talk) and behavioral strategies (e.g., muscle relaxation, physical activity). However, it is important to emphasize factors such as: anxiety, irritability, craving, weight gain, lack of family support, and difficulty sleeping.…”