Tobacco Quitline in Brazil: an Additional Information Source to the Population

Abstract

Introduction: The Tobacco Quitline is an important service of telephone counseling for population-based smoking cessation, as well as a population-based source of elucidation about the harms of tobacco use. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the profile of persons who called the Tobacco Quitline, to carry out a descriptive analysis of this service and to discuss the growing number of calls, relating them to some political measures. Method: Between January and December 2009, data collected from both ‘Ouvidor SUS’ and ‘Web Report’ systems were analyzed. The number of calls and distribution according to social and demographic characteristics, such as gender, marital status, education, age and reason for calling were compiled. Their smoking status was also identified, whether they are smokers, ex-smokers or have never used tobacco before, and also if it is their first time calling the service. Results: Tobacco represented 23% of all calls received, becoming the second most sought after subject, only after diseases and health information. Among individuals who called the Tobacco Quitline, 79% were smokers and 80% said it was their first call. As to age, young teens between 12 and 24 years-old represent almost half of the population looking for the service and among all callers, 56% were male and 49% were single. Conclusion: The Quitline is an important source of information about smoking, however it is necessary to conduct a survey regarding the effectiveness of smoking cessation.