Effectiveness of a group nursing intervention in reducing anxiety and depression for smoking cessation: a quasi-experimental study in light of Afaf Meleis' Transition Theory.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a group intervention for smoking cessation in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals who stop using nicotine, based on Afaf Meleis' Transition Theory. Methods: A longitudinal, quasi-experimental study with a convenience sample of 15 volunteers. The intervention was led by a qualified nurse and structured in two stages: an intensive phase with weekly sessions during the first three months (total of 12 sessions) and a maintenance phase with biweekly sessions from the fourth to the sixth month (total of 6 sessions). Data was collected at three time points: baseline (before the intervention), three months later, and at the end of six months from the start of the intervention. The following instruments were used: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Results: A statistically significant reduction in nicotine dependence was observed throughout the study. The percentage of "very high" dependence decreased from 46.7% to 6.7% between the first and third assessment points. A significant decrease in trait anxiety was observed (p = 0.028), while no significant differences were found in depressive symptoms across the three assessment times. At the third assessment, a positive correlation was identified between the level of dependence and situational anxiety levels. Conclusion: The group intervention studied had a positive impact on the smoking cessation process, reflected in reduced nicotine dependence and lower anxiety levels, highlighting the importance of collective support in coping with dependence.