Manutenção da abstinência do tabaco por ex-fumantes: estudo fenomenológico

Abstract

Objective: To understand the experience of former smokers maintaining tobacco withdrawal. Methods: Qualitative research that used the theoretical and methodological reference of social phenomenology as defined by Alfred Schütz. The phenomenological interview was carried out in 2016 with 12 former smokers from a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The statements were organized into categories and discussed based on the literature. Results: The maintenance of tobacco withdrawal was revealed in the categories: “Health, sociability, and financial gains”; “Living with the urge to smoke and with the increase of body weight”; “Self-determination and use of replacement strategies”; and “Staying away from cigarettes.” Conclusions: These results alert health professionals to the need to provide support to former smokers so that they can remain smoke-free. In addition to the negative effects of smoking withdrawal, this implies considering the social context in which former smokers are inserted that might have an impact on the maintenance or not of cigarette withdrawal.