Characterization of Chronic Sinonasal Disease Symptoms in an Urban Homeless Population

Background The urban homeless population has increased exposure to risk factors associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, a gap in knowledge of the prevalence of sinonasal symptoms in these demographic limits complete understanding of CRS epidemiology. There is a need to elucidate sinonasal disease burden in this vulnerable patient population to bring awareness to any existing disparities. Objective To assess the prevalence, severity, and associated factors of CRS clinical symptoms and health-care barriers in an urban homeless population. Methods Homeless adults completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level-Visual Analog Scale surveys. Responses were categorized by potential CRS symptoms defined as reporting at least 2 CRS cardinal symptoms. Risk factors associated with potential CRS symptoms were analyzed with multivariate regression models. Results Fifty-six (16%) out of 341 total subjects reported potential CRS symptoms. Those with potential CRS symptoms had a higher median SNOT-22 score (53 vs 22, P < .001) than those without. Logistic regression models identified history of smoking (odds ratio [OR], 6.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04-21.04) and duration of homelessness over 3 months (OR, 3.46; CI, 1.51-7.94) as factors associated with potential CRS symptoms. Duration of homelessness over 3 months was associated with higher SNOT-22 scores (standardized beta coefficient [beta], 0.48; CI, 0.39-0.57). Among those reporting 2 or more CRS cardinal symptoms, 18% had ever been seen by any physician for their symptoms. Conclusions Our study estimates a high prevalence of potential CRS symptoms in the urban homeless population. Longer duration of homelessness was associated with potential CRS symptoms and poor CRS-specific quality of life scores. Disparities in access to care emphasize the need for increased preventive efforts designed for this unique patient group.