Relationship between religiosity and smoking cessation among users of the Family Health Strategy

Abstract

Objective: to explore the relationship between religiosity and smoking cessation among users of the Family Health Strategy. Method: a longitudinal study carried out with participants of the Smoking Treatment Program of two basic health units. Religiosity (exposure) was assessed according to the Duke University Religiosity Index and described according to age, race, family income, marital status and schooling. Smoking cessation (outcome) was quitting smoking for at least six months. The bivariate analyses were based on Pearson’s chi-square test and on Mann[1]Whitney’s non-parametric test. Results: gender, age and marital status were related to religiosity, but religiosity was not related to smoking cessation. Conclusion: most of the smokers presented predominance of religious involvement, especially women, older individuals and those living with a partner, which shows that this can be an important aspect of support during treatment for smoking cessation.