EXPERIENCE REPORT ON ANTI-SMOKING ACTIONS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OF CEARÁ: STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

Abstract

Smoking is recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Health as a chronic disease of epidemic nature, associated with high preventable morbidity and mortality, and classified as a mental and behavioral disorder related to the use of psychoactive substances. In this context, this study aimed to report a health education intervention conducted in the interior of Ceará, Brazil. This is a qualitative and descriptive experience report developed in August and September at the Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde (CAIS) of the Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira (UNILAB), located in the Maciço de Baturité region. The activity was carried out by undergraduate Pharmacy students from the Pharmaceutical Care Extension Group and involved health service users and members of the academic community.The intervention was organized into planning, development of educational materials, and implementation stages, using participatory methodologies, accessible language, and playful visual resources. Activities included discussion groups, distribution of educational leaflets, measurement of vital signs, and guidance on the health risks of smoking and on therapeutic alternatives available through the Brazilian Unified Health System, such as nicotine replacement therapy.

The results showed that systematic planning, combined with digital technologies and interprofessional collaboration, promoted welcoming practices, knowledge exchange, stigma reduction, and strengthening of participants’ autonomy. It is concluded that structured and humanized educational actions are effective strategies for health promotion, smoking prevention, and interprofessional student training, contributing to comprehensive care and strengthening public tobacco control policies