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Recent Advances in Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery

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ISSN (Print): 2772-2708
ISSN (Online): 2772-2716

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Research Article

Olfactory Dysfunction in Healthcare Workers with COVID-19: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Author(s): Kacem Imène*, Kahloul Mohamed, Ghenim Amal, Ajmi Mohamed, Chouchane Asma, Aloui Asma, Khalefa Wael, H. Kalboussi, El Maalel Olfa, Naija Walid, Maoua Maher and Mrizak Nejib

Volume 18, Issue 1, 2024

Published on: 20 October, 2023

Page: [67 - 77] Pages: 11

DOI: 10.2174/0127722708249126231006061438

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a real global health crisis. Its clinical presentation has evolved over time with an increasing number of symptoms. Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has recently been recognized as a frequent symptom relevant to screening for COVID-19, especially in pauci-asymptomatic forms. However, the underlying mechanisms of OD are not yet fully understood.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of OD in healthcare workers with SARS-CoV-2 and to identify its associated factors.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study, carried out during a period of six months and including all healthcare workers at Farhat Hached Academic Hospital (Tunisia) who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 by PCR, RAT, or chest CT scan.

Results: A total of 474 healthcare workers were included, representing a participation rate of 85.4%. The mean age was 41.02±10.67 years with a sex ratio of 0.2. The distribution of this population by department noted that it was mainly maternity (13.9%). The most presented workstation was nursing (31.4%). OD represented 39.2% of the reasons for consultation. Hospitalization was indicated in 16 patients (3.4%). The average duration of hospitalization was 8.87 ± 7.8 days. The average time off work was 17.04 ± 11.6 days. OD persisted for more than 90 days in 35 patients (7.4%). After multiple binary logistic regression, OD was statistically associated with female gender (p =0.001; OR 95% CI: 2.46 [1.4-4.2]) and blue-collar occupational category (p =0.002; OR IC95%:3.1 [1.5-6.5]). A significant association was also noted between OD and professional seniority and absence from work duration (p =0.019; OR 95% CI: 0.97 [0.95-0.99] and p =0.03; OR 95% CI: 0.97 [0.95-0.99]) respectively.

Conclusion: OD is common in COVID-19 patients. The identification of its associated factors may contribute to enhancing the understanding of its mechanism and drive therapeutic options.

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