[Adaptation for use In Russia of the extended odor identification Sniffin' Sticks test]

Area of Science:

• Olfactory psychophysics
• Neuroscience of olfaction

Context:

• The Sniffin' Sticks test is a globally recognized standard for evaluating the sense of smell.
• Cultural familiarity with odors is crucial for the accuracy of olfactory identification tests.
• Previous adaptations of olfactory tests have not fully addressed the specific needs of the Russian population.

Purpose:

• To assess the familiarity of Russian adults with odors used in the standard Sniffin' Sticks test.
• To identify specific odors causing recognition difficulties in the Russian population.
• To adapt the Sniffin' Sticks odor identification test for reliable use in Russia.

Summary:

• A study of 77 healthy volunteers and 51 patients with olfactory dysfunction in Russia revealed low familiarity with key odors (licorice, turpentine, anise) and a proposed alternative (chives).
• Four odors showed poor recognition (<75%), indicating a need for cultural adaptation.
• The test was modified, replacing problematic odors with culturally relevant alternatives (e.g., cough syrup for licorice, paint thinner for turpentine, bay leaf for chives) and adjusting fruity odor choices.

Impact:

• The findings highlight the importance of cultural context in olfactory testing.
• The adapted Sniffin' Sticks test version aims to improve the accuracy of smell assessment in Russia.
• This research contributes to the development of culturally sensitive diagnostic tools for olfactory dysfunction.