(386) Post-COVID-19 ENT-Related Symptoms Impact in the Latino Puerto Rican Population

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused acute and persistent ENT-related symptoms in a high percentage of infected individuals. Due to the lack of data on Latinos in Puerto Rico (PR), this research project seeks to investigate the impact of the loss of smell and taste on the quality of life of this underrepresented population.

Methods: This is an IRB-approved descriptive cross-sectional study. Subjects were enrolled using social media and through the delivery of printed brochures throughout the country. Participants were Latinos ≥21 years of age living in PR who recovered from COVID-19. Data was collected through online questionnaires between 11/08/2021 – 01/13/2023 and was analyzed using basic descriptive statistics.

Results: Among the subjects (N = 160, mean age 35 ± 14 years, 66% women), 27% (43/160) and 26% (41/160) reported taste and smell dysfunction, respectively. However, 18% (29/160) disclosed simultaneous loss, and 34% (55/160) either or both. Twenty-one percent (9/43) and 24% (10/41) of the participants did not recover their typical sense of smell and taste, respectively. Among the subjects with simultaneous dysfunctions, 8% (4/55) reported that the disease affected their lifestyle drastically or plenty, 63% (35/55) felt calm and peaceful, and 31% (17/55) were discouraged or sad always or most of the time. Loss of appetite was remarkable in 41% (12/29) of the participants with both dysfunctions, while weight loss was more frequent, 24% (10/41), in the group of subjects with taste dysfunction.

Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that many Latinos in PR deal with post-COVID-19 ENT-related symptoms. Thereby, otolaryngologists, especially those who serve this population, must be conscious of the long-term results of the infection when treating their patients, as these persistent dysfunctions are common and could affect their quality of life.