Abstract
Objective : This study aims to explore the prevalence of anosmia
and dysgeusia and their impact on COVID-19 patients.
Design : This is a cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed
with COVID-19 between 1st October 2020 and
30th June 2021 were randomly selected from a national
COVID-19 registry. The Anosmia Reporting Tool, and a brief version of
the questionnaire on olfactory disorders were used to measure the
outcomes via telephone interviews. Data were analysed using SPSS 27
statistics software.
Results : A total of 405 COVID-19 adults were included in this
study, 220 (54.3%) were males and 185 (45.8%) were females. The
mean±SD age of participants was 38.2 ± 11.3 years. Alterations in the
sense of smell and taste were reported by 206 (50.9%), and 195 (48.1%)
of the patients respectively. Sex and nationality of participants were
significantly associated with anosmia and dysgeusia (p<0.001)
and (p-value=0.001) respectively. Among patients who experienced anosmia
and dysgeusia, alterations in eating habits (64.2%), impact on mental
wellbeing (38.9%), concerns that the alterations were permanent
(35.4%), and physical implications and difficulty performing activities
of daily living (34% ) were reported.
Conclusion: Anosmia and dysgeusia are prevalent symptoms of
COVID-19 disease, especially among females. Neuropsychological
implications of COVID-19 in acute infection phase and prognosis of
anosmia and dysgeusia in COVID-19 are areas for further exploration.
Keywords : Anosmia, taste, smell, COVID-19, dysgeusia,
gustatory, olfactory, COVID complications.