Table 3. Quality of life and attitudes of participants post-COVID-19 with persistent smell disorder (n=429).
The data are presented as frequencies (N) and proportions (%)
| Statements | Response of participants, N (%) | |||
| Agree | Agree partly | Disagree partly | Disagree | |
| I am really worried that I will never adapt to the changes in my sense of smell | 151 (35.2) | 106 (24.7) | 98 (22.8) | 74 (17.2) |
| The changes in my sense of smell annoy me particularly during meals | 150 (35) | 116 (27) | 91 (21.2) | 72 (16.8) |
| Due to the shifts in my sense of smell, my eating habits have changed | 115 (26.8) | 96 (22.4) | 125 (29.1) | 93 (21.7) |
| Because of the changes in my sense of smell, I try harder to relax | 108 (25.2) | 97 (22.6) | 126 (29.4) | 98 (22.8) |
| Changes in sense of smell instill fear in me, particularly concerning potential exposure to specific hazards such as gas or spoiled food | 120 (28) | 76 (17.7) | 127(29.6) | 106 (24.7) |
| I am always aware of the changes in my sense of smell | 151 (35.2) | 105 (24.5) | 82 (19.1) | 91 (21.2) |
| I avoid social gatherings due to the alterations in my sense of smell | 86 (20) | 78 (18.2) | 151 (35.4) | 113 (26.3) |
| The changes in my sense of smell make me feel isolated | 78 (18.2) | 75 (17.5) | 146 (34.0) | 130 (30.3) |
| The changes in my sense of smell have impacted my relationship with my spouse or partner | 74 (17.2) | 63 (14.7) | 169 (39.4) | 123 (28.7) |
| Due to changes in my sense of smell, I find less enjoyment in beverages and food compared to my previous experiences | 130 (30.3) | 107 (24.9) | 107 (24.9) | 85 (19.8) |
| The changes in my sense of smell make me feel angry | 119 (27.7) | 93 (21.4) | 114 (26.6) | 104 (24.2) |
| The changes in my sense of smell create challenges for my participation in everyday activities | 81 (18.9) | 91 (21.2) | 131 (30.5) | 126 (29.4) |
| The changes in my sense of smell cause most of my problems | 82 (19.1) | 73 (17) | 146 (34) | 128 (29.8) |
| Because of the changes in my sense of smell, I go to restaurants less often than I used to | 88 (20.5) | 104 (24.2) | 133 (31) | 104 (24.2) |
| Because of the changes in my sense of smell, I have weight problems | 81 (18.9) | 85 (19.8) | 148 (34.5) | 115 (26.8) |
| I have reduced my visits to friends, relatives, or neighbors due to the changes in my sense of smell | 71 (16.6) | 81 (18.9) | 152 (35.4) | 125 (29.1) |
| Because of the changes in my sense of smell, I feel more anxious than I used to feel | 89 (20.7) | 98 (22.8) | 133 (31) | 109 (25.4) |