Health education on electronic smoking devices: an experience report with Socratic maieutics

Abstract

The growing consumption of electronic smoking devices (ESDs), especially among adolescents, has become a significant challenge for public health and health education. The perception that these products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes favors their popularization, requiring innovative pedagogical strategies that promote critical reflection and autonomy in health-related choices. This experience report describes the application of an adaptation of the Socratic method, combined with the use of irony, as pedagogical strategies to raise awareness among adolescents about the harmful effects of ESDs. Furthermore, we sought to analyze, within the specific context in which it was implemented, the effectiveness of this approach both qualitatively and quantitatively, providing insights for its use in other Primary Health Care settings. The intervention took place in a public school with adolescent students, led by medical students as part of the discipline Practice of Integration, Teaching, Service, and Community. The activity utilized Socratic dynamics with visual aids, rewards, and interactive discussions. To assess its impact, anonymous pre- and post-tests were administered, and students' spontaneous statements were recorded and later analyzed using thematic interpretation. The results demonstrated significant progress in understanding the risks of DEFs, with a reduction in misconceptions and increased engagement in discussions. Thus, the experience highlights the potential of this teaching strategy to strengthen health promotion and surveillance actions in the region, in line with programs such as Saúde na Escola (Health in School).