Perfil de uma população com múltiplas condições crônicas atendida em uma unidade de assistência integral ao tabagista

Abstract

Considering the complexity involved in smoking cessation and the need for specialized treatment for a population with multiple chronic conditions, a retrospective study was carried out in which 364 smokers with multiple chronic conditions were analyzed in a smoking clinic through electronic records of the service. Multivariate techniques were used to classify service users and three profiles of smokers named Light, Moderate, and Heavy were identified, each distinguished by the level of dependence and use of cigarettes. The Light group stood out for the least adherent participants, and had a large percentage of married people and in formal work activity. It obtained the highest percentage of smoking cessation in the fourth week of treatment and, in relation to the stages of motivation to change behavior, it had the lowest percentage of smokers in the contemplation stage and the highest in the action stage. The Moderate group stood out in relation to the highest percentage of adherent participants and as the group that most quitted smoking at the end of treatment. The Heavy group had the highest number of cigarettes smoked throughout the treatment and the highest concentration of people who were sedentary, using alcohol, with the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease chronic condition, and with self-declared anxiety. Based on the results obtained, the importance of factors identified as barriers and strengths in the smoking cessation process and their complexities and contradictions were discussed. However, the importance of contact with the healthcare team and the use of groups as a health tool is reinforced, and speculation on the role of interpersonal relationships, work activity, and motivation for behavioral change is also made.