Escolhas alimentares de tabagistas que iniciam tratamento para cessação tabágica em um modelo por telemedicina

Abstract

In Brazil, the prevalence of smoking will reach 9.3% of the population in 2023 and contributes to the development of chronic non-communicable diseases and cancer. Objectives: To evaluate the factors associated with the food choices of smokers undergoing smoking cessation treatment in the telemedicine model. Methods: This is a longitudinal study with a convenience sample of smokers with multiple chronic conditions followed in outpatient clinics HU-Santa Catarina, HU-CAS, Primary Health Care Units (UAPS). In-person meetings were held at the Cardiology outpatient clinic at HU-CAS/UFJF and online meetings were held via Google Meet. At the beginning of treatment, data on weight, height, abdominal and calf circumference, physical inactivity and dyslipidemia were collected. To characterize the smokers, data such as the number of cigarettes smoked per day, length of addiction (in years) and number of smoking cessation attempts were analyzed, in addition to the assessment of nicotine dependence using the Fagerström Test and assessment of craving using the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief), Brazilian version. Food choices were also assessed using the FCQ (Food Choice Questionnaire). Results: 90 smokers were evaluated, the majority of whom were female, elderly, white, married and literate, with less than 8 years of education. The predominant BMI classification was eutrophic”, with 69% having changes in abdominal circumference. There was a predominance of sensory appeal as a criterion for food choices, being associated with the incidence of dyslipidemia. A positive relationship was also observed between heavy smoking and the dietary decision criterion “weight control”. The criteria “humor”, “weight control” and “ethical concerns” were positively associated with the craving assessment. The majority of participants have already tried, unsuccessfully, to stop smoking at some point, with high nicotine dependence and the presence of craving, even if minimal. A relationship was observed between high nicotine dependence and heavy smoking. There were no significant statistical correlations regarding the individuals' BMI, or correlation between the FCQ variables and age, length of addiction and number of cigarettes consumed per day. Regarding telemedicine, there was a satisfactory initial adherence rate to this methodology, but a decline in participation throughout the follow-up Keywords: Tobacco dependence. Nutrition. Telemedicine.