Longitudinal treatment of smoking in Primary Health Care: an evaluation research

Abstract

Objectives: to evaluate the coordination of the attention for continuing treatment for smoking cessation in the Primary Health Care, from the perspective of users. Methods: the conceptual base was longitudinal care, which is an attribute of the National Policy of Primary Care. The methodological framework was that of an evaluative research, as informed by theory-based evaluation. Data collection used observation with moderate participation in the groups to abandon smoking, intensive interviews with 22 users, and analysis of medical records. The interviews used initial and focused coding, which are analytical stages of the Grounded Theory, with the aid of the MaxQDA® software. Results: the interviewees had a positive evaluation of their treatment for smoking, although they mentioned limitations for medium- and long-term continuity. Final Considerations: the smoking treatment sessions, even if infrequent, were found to be a successful experience for smoking cessation.