This descriptive and exploratory study was performed with the purpose to discuss the use of group operative technology as a coping strategy in a tobacco control program in the primary health care system of a small municipality in the state of Goiás, Brazil. The subjects were 20 individuals who sought the Primary Health Care Unit on their own account, and the sample consisted of nine people who completed the treatment. Content analysis revealed the thematic category: the path followed during the treatment; and three subcategories: revisiting the desire to quit smoking; feeling the effects of quitting cigarretes; and the challenges for the change. The Fagerström test showed a dependence pattern of three subjects for each level: very high, high and average. The cessation rate for tobacco was 78%; therefore, it is recommended that operative group technologies be adopted in group activitied in the program.
Smoking; Smoking cessation; Tobacco use cessation; Group processes
