Individual Counseling for Smoking Cessation. An intervention Αpplied by Μedical and Νursing Staff in Health Centers in Greece

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate if and how the participation in a counseling program for smoking cessation applied in health centers by medical and nursing staff, in highly motivated individuals due to health reasons, contributes in lifestyle changes and physical activity enhancement. The participants were 36 smokers and 12 of them completed the program (9 men and 3 women, aged 37 to 71 years). The smoking cessation intervention consisted of 12 sessions of individual counseling for smoking cessation,
based on motivational interviewing, once a week, for an hour. A semi-structured interview was used at the end of the intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Concerning the data of the interviews, qualitative content analysis was used with the help of software in-Vivo. At the end of the program 8 participants achieved the goal of smoking cessation, while the rest 4 participants significantly reduced smoking. The participants reported as very helpful the discussion and communication, the support from the counselor, the commitment, the resistance techniques, the goal- setting and generally speaking the change of their life-style. Finally, it was shown that the relationship of safety developed with the advisor, contributed, apart from the smoking cessation or smoking reduction, in the development of motives and sensitization for a healthier lifestyle, in the increase of self-esteem, self-knowledge and confidence, stress reduction, relaxation and generally in the adoption of a healthy and qualitative lifestyle.