Saudi pooled estimates found frequent smell and taste dysfunction
Among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, pooled anosmia prevalence was 44%; pooled taste dysfunction prevalence was 46%.
The review included predominantly self-reported measures. Methodological heterogeneity and the lack of a prospectively registered protocol limit interpretation.
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Pooled prevalence of anosmia among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.
44%
95% CI: 37-52%
Aldrees, Turki. Assessing the prevalence of anosmia and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in public health. 2026.
Added
Pooled prevalence of taste dysfunction among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.
46%
95% CI: 39-54%
Aldrees, Turki. Assessing the prevalence of anosmia and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in public health. 2026.
Added