SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES IN SMOKING CESSATION SUPPORT GROUPS AT A HEALTH INSTITUTION IN RIO DE JANEIRO

The Smoking is considered by the World Health Organization the leading cause of preventable death in the world. In Brazil, according to national survey in 2013, 11.3% they are smoking. The country is recognized internationally for its tobacco control measures. The support group smoking cessation the Municipal Health Center Athayde José da Fonseca, in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, obtained in the years 2012/2013, reduced percentage of success. The study aimed to identify the degree of adherence to treatment of tobacco using new strategies. With a view to restructure the smoking groups in basic health institution, it was decided to separate them into two groups: those who had never support group participated to quit smoking and those who participated at some time without success, characterized as new cases and re-entry, respectively. The approach of group was similar before, using the materials provided by the Ministry of Health. However, it was added participation of the Center for Support to Health, group planning moments with the management of institution and evaluation of the group at each session. In 2014, there were three support groups, two new patients and one re-entry. The results were encouraging: groups with new patients showed 68% and 72% success rate, that is, quit smoking after treatment, and re-entry group reached 44% success rate. The results showed compliance with the hypotheses, however it’s need other purposeful research for the National Tobacco Program. The division of groups can contribute to the effectiveness of treatment and increase the success rate.