Oral Health and Quality of Life Among Unhoused Residents in Chicago: Implications for Public Health Interventions

To investigate disparities in oral health and quality of life between unhoused and housed populations in Chicago, Illinois, and highlight potential areas for policy intervention.

Cross-sectional study using the modified Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), a 14-item validated survey assessing seven domains affected by oral health, such as functional limitation, pain, and social disability. Data were collected from unhoused patients at the Rush CURE Clinic and housed patients from the Rush University Department of Otolaryngology Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Demographics, oral health, and quality of life perception data were collected through the OHIP-14 survey. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, binomial tests, and ANOVA.

Housed patients had increased access to healthy food (97% vs. 51%, p < 0.001), health insurance (100% vs. 65%, p < 0.001), and employment (64% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Unhoused patients reported greater challenges across multiple OHIP-14 domains, including dissatisfaction with diet (33.3% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.001), difficulty with occupational activities (22% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001), and lower overall quality of life satisfaction (32% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001).

This study underscores the intersection of homelessness, oral health, and social determinants of quality of life. Findings may guide policymakers in designing targeted, community-based preventive interventions-particularly expanding oral health services, nutritional support, and employment resources for vulnerable populations. Structurally informed public health strategies are needed to reduce oral health inequities and their downstream effects on daily functioning and overall wellbeing.