Screening for Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients Using Quick
Smell Identification Test
Abstract
Intro: To determine the prevalence of OD in the confirmed case with
COVID-19 among our population using quick smell identification test
(Q-SIT) as screening tool. Methods: Cross- sectional study carried out
in Qatif area – Saudi Arabia among adult hospitalized patient with
confirm COVID-19 during the period between May and July, 2020. All
adults confirmed COVID-19 patients were interviewed for history of
current disease and associated symptoms as well as performing Q-SIT.
Participants who had history of olfactory dysfunction, and critical
cases required ICU admission were excluded. Results: The prevalence of
OD among COVID-19 cases was (16.3%) in our population using Q-SIT
compared to (27.4%) for self-reported symptom. Females were having
higher prevalence in compare to males (30.5% and 11.1%) respectively;
which was statistically significant (P <0.001). The patients
reported higher prevalence of ageusia (31.9%) with significant
association with OD (P <0.001). Q-SIT showed high positive and
negative predictive value in detecting OD among patients with COVID-19
(84% and 93% respectively). Conclusion: Q-SIT is a useful, validated
and easy to apply tool for screening OD among patients with COVID-19.
Some patients presented solely with this symptom which can occurs
unnoticed in COVID-19 patients, and there for required objective test
for detection.