Frequência de sintomas no último ano de vida de idosos de baixa renda em S？o Paulo: estudo transversal com cuidadores informais

the brazilian population of elders is growing, resulting in high prevalences of chronic diseases and people facing distressing symptoms in their last years. this study aimed at interviewing family caregivers of deceased elders to investigate the presence, severity and duration of common symptoms in the last year, as well as whether the symptoms were managed or not. elders were enrolled in a population-based study in deprived areas of butant？, s？o paulo. after a two-year follow-up, any death was eligible for the study. eighty-one caregivers were interviewed between three and sixteen months after elder's death and answered a questionnaire on eleven symptoms. the most commonly reported symptoms were pain (78%), fatigue (68%), dyspnea (60%), depression, and anorexia (58% each). pain, dyspnea and fatigue were the most severe. pain, fatigue and depression lasted 6 months or more. no treatment was received for depression (79%), urinary incontinence (77%) and anxiety (67%). the implementation of palliative care concepts and actions is mandatory to provide brazilian elders with dignity and better quality at the end of life.