The Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-1-2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common and has been reported as an early indicator of COVID-19. However, the reported prevalence of OD in the general population varies widely depending upon the metric used to assess olfaction.

RESULTS: A total of 175,073 subjects were identified (mean age 63.5 years, range 18 to 101) with an overall OD prevalence of 22.2% (95% CI 14.8-30.6). OD prevalence was significantly greater using objective olfactory assessments, compared to subjective measures (28.8%, CI 20.3-38.2 versus 9.5%, CI 6.1-13.5, p <  0.001). The prevalence of OD was greater using expanded identification tests (>8 items) compared to brief test with ≤8 items (30.3%, CI 16.2-46.5 versus 21.2%, CI 12.3-31.8). Prevalence was higher in studies with a mean age greater than 55 years compared to those with a mean age of 55 years or less (34.5%, CI 23.4-46.5 versus 7.5%, CI 2.6-14.5, p <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The reported prevalence of OD in the general population depends on the testing method and population age. OD prevalence was greater in studies using objective tests, expanded identification tests, and in those with older subjects.

Volume

35

Issue

2

First Page

195

Last Page

205

ISSN

1945-8932

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

32746612

Department(s)

Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology

Document Type

Article

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