SUPPORT GROUPS FOR SMOKING REDUCTION AND CEASES: ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking is a serious public health problem, recognized as a causal factor in several chronic, disabling, and fatal diseases. The high prevalence of smokers and the morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco consumption reinforce the magnitude of this problem. Nicotine, the main psychoactive substance present in the tobacco plant, has a high potential for addiction, acting as a central nervous system stimulant (FDA, 2021). Its effects include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and negative impacts on mental health, such as irritability and anxiety during withdrawal, in addition to promoting changes in brain function. In addition to being associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases, smoking also contributes to the development of other illnesses. : (“Smoking: Part I”, 2010). The main problem with the use of tobacco products is related to the presence of thousands of toxic chemical compounds present in both the leaf and the smoke, which are responsible for triggering serious health consequences. Notable among these are Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and various types of cancer, particularly lung cancer. In Brazil, 477 people die every day due to smoking, and 145,077 deaths per year could be prevented (INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL AND SANITARY EFFECTIVENESS, 2024). In this sense, the National Tobacco Control Program plays an essential role in implementing public policies for prevention, health promotion, and encouraging tobacco cessation. In this context, tobacco support groups are a highly relevant strategy for quitting the habit, offering multidisciplinary support and a welcoming environment. These initiatives enable the sharing of experiences, strengthen bonds among participants, promote health education, and provide practical tools for coping with addiction. Furthermore, the group approach enhances results, as participants find mutual encouragement and greater adherence to the smoking cessation process (PRETTO; RECH; FAUSTINO-SILVA, 2022). Therefore, participating in a smoking cessation group proves to be a significant practice for nursing academic training and public health, as it not only contributes to reducing tobacco-related illnesses but also strengthens the work of nurses and other health professionals in promoting the population's quality of life. Objective: To report the experience of organizing and leading a smoking cessation support group in a nursing practice setting, highlighting its relevance for health promotion and academic training in public health. Methodology: This is an experience report conducted during the final-year nursing internship, conducted from May to July 2025, at the Health Department of the municipality of Chapecó, Santa Catarina, specifically in the Primary Care Management sector. The smoking cessation group was coordinated by a nurse responsible for the multidisciplinary team and included direct input from pharmacists, nutritionists, physical educators, dentists, specialist physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, nursing technicians, and assistants. Initially, approximately 100 users participated, divided into four small groups; over time, this number decreased as adherence to the smoking cessation process increased. A total of nine meetings were held, initially weekly, then biweekly after the first month, and subsequently monthly, depending on the participants' treatment progress. Admission to the group occurred through a prior interview at the patient's referral health unit, followed by a screening process to assess their profile and determine their participation. The meetings were structured in two phases: the first consisted of a welcome session and educational lectures led by different professionals, using resources such as slides, booklets, videos, and group activities. Participants were then organized into small groups, where discussion circles, therapeutic activities, integrative practices, breathing exercises, multidisciplinary guidance, and mutual support sessions took place, especially led by the pharmacist and other team members. The nursing student's role focused on welcoming participants, conducting educational activities, administering monitoring tools, recording progress, and fostering group bonding. These activities were carried out under the supervision of faculty and the multidisciplinary team, fostering practical and reflective experience on collective strategies for combating smoking. The internship served as a space for teaching-service integration, fostering the development of skills in education.