A Cross-Sectional Study of Self-Reported Olfactory and Gustatory Changes in COVID-19 and its Impact on Quality of Life in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Chemosensory changes in COVID-19 infected individuals have gained substantial attention in recent times. The persistence of olfactory and gustatory problems may negatively impact the quality of life and daily life activities. The study aimed to assess the olfactory and gustatory changes among COVID-19 patients in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using a pretested questionnaire among COVID-19 infected individuals. A mixture of snowball and convenience was used to collect the responses. The questionnaire recorded participants’ baseline characteristics, COVID-19 associated clinical findings, characteristics of clinical olfactory dysfunctions (OD) and gustatory dysfunction (GD), and a short version Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS) that measured the effect of gustatory and olfactory changes on the patient’s quality of life. Results: The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction and Gustatory dysfunction was found to be 55.7% and 46.3%, respectively, and about 44.7% of the participants had experienced both OD and GD. The percentage of OD and GD were found to be comparatively higher among those who had experienced general symptoms of COVID-19 than those who were asymptomatic (p<0.001). The patients who had experienced anosmia had demonstrated a poor quality of life compared to those who had Hyposmia (p=0.044). Conclusions: The high prevalence of OD and GD among COVID-19 infected individuals has an impact on the quality of life. The long-standing or permanent OD and GD symptoms are of big concern, and this should alert physicians about the substantial risk that this individual faces.