[Therapeutic group for smokers: results after two-year follow-up].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the smokers' profile, immediate results and outcome after 25 months of treatment at a university public service.


METHODS
One hundred and seventy one smokers were evaluated for treatment in the Therapeutic Group (TG) of the Service of Psychoactive Substances. We evaluated sociodemographic variables, history of smoking, presence of medical comorbidity and psychiatric symptoms, initial and late outcomes (median 25 months), by telephone contact. Frequency analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used, with a significance level of 5% for associated factors.


RESULTS
Most patients were female (73.4%), married (48%), had basic education (74.6%), were working (57%); 65.2% started to smoke before the age of 15, 63.8% smoked for more than thirty years, 76% already had tried to stop smoking, 46.2% had severe dependence, 72.1% had medical comorbidity and 36% presented psychiatric symptoms. The service was sought by 51%, mainly concerned with health. During treatment, 79.1% stopped smoking. After 25 months, 62% remained abstinent. The variable associated with failure of smoking cessation was the presence of psychiatric symptoms. Variables related to relapse were psychiatric symptoms and lesser attendance at Motivation Group sessions. There was an association between clinical comorbidity and years of smoking and years of inactivity


CONCLUSIONS
This study reinforces the importance of understanding the profile of the subjects to evaluate strategies employed and adequacy of treatment proposed for smokers to improve the rates of smoking cessation and reduce rates of relapse.
Azevedo
Renata Cruz Soares de
RC
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP.
Higa
Celina Matiko Hori
CM
Assumpção
Isilda Sueli Mira Andreolli de
IS
Frazatto
Cecília Regina Gonzaga
CR
Fernandes
Rejane Firmino
RF
Goulart
Welson
W
Botega
Neury José
NJ
Boscolo
Marília Montoya
MM
Sartori
Rosana Márcia
RM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012907:Smoking / Q000628:therapy*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome