This exploratory and descriptive study attempted to identify characteristics of smokers' behavior and the factors associated to its change. Sixty-three persons from 30 to 73 years (M=49,63) who left a tobacco cessation group participated in the study. The data collection included a semi-structured interview and validated scales for the Brazilian population. Both statistical and content analyses were realized. Thirty six of the participants were not smoking (57.1%). There was no difference between smokers and non smokers in relation to sociodemographic variables; anxiety, depression and time of tobacco use during life were variables that came closer to statistical significance. The awareness of factors involved in smoking and its cessation can be useful to support actions to change smoking behavior.
smoking; cessation of tobacco use; anxiety; depression
