BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of smoking suggests a strong influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors. There is growing interest in evaluating processes from a gender perspective. Social transformation processes necessitate a review of concepts that can contribute to public policies aimed at tobacco control. This research aims to identify factors associated with smoking cessation from a broad gender perspective, contribute to the understanding of this phenomenon, and inform differential approaches.
METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study of patients who completed treatment for at least 6 months in the smoking cessation starting in 2023. Patients received cognitive-behavioural approach together and pharmacological treatment in 6 sessions. The data collection tools were: telephone survey and review of medical records. STATA13 Software was used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Preliminary findings from a sample of 62 patients assisted during 2023, showed the following gender distribution: 60% (95% CI 53%-77%) identified as female, 32% (95% CI:0.21%-45% ) male, 1,6% (95% CI: 0.2%-11%) “other”. Mean age was 52.74 years (SD:13) Seven days point prevalence of abstinence rate was 27% (95% IC:17%-40%). There were no differences in the abstinence rate by gender, with a calculated power of 99%. However, women exhibited less severity in their dependency profile and received pharmacological treatment at a lower rate. No gender differences were observed in socioeconomic variables or in the prevalence of mental illness and addictions.
CONCLUSIONS: Although women seek more professional help to quit smoking and have lower levels of dependence, they receive suboptimal treatment, and their treatment outcomes are similar to those of men.There are factors that negatively smoking cessation in women that must be considered to improve policies and treatments aimed at this group. Further research is needed to explore these factors and develop new approaches to better describe the phenomenon.