Development and validation of the MultiScent-20 digital odour identification test using item response theory

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Marcio Nakanishi - , Hospital Universitário de Brasília (Author)
  • Pedro Renato de Paula Brandão - , Hospital Sirio-Libanes, Universidade de Brasília (Author)
  • Gustavo Subtil Magalhães Freire - , Hospital Universitário de Brasília (Author)
  • Luis Gustavo do Amaral Vinha - , Universidade de Brasília (Author)
  • Marco Aurélio Fornazieri - , Universidade Estadual de Londrina (Author)
  • Wilma Terezinha Anselmo-Lima - , Universidade de São Paulo (Author)
  • Danilo Assis Pereira - , IBNeuro (Author)
  • Gustavo Henrique Campos de Sousa - , Hospital Sirio-Libanes (Author)
  • Claudia Galvão - , NOAR Brasil Ltda (Author)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Although validated and reliable psychophysical tests of olfactory function are available, an easy-to-use and feasible test has yet to be developed. This study aimed to design a digital odour identification test, evaluate its validity, assess its reliability, establish a normative curve, and explore the impact of demographic factors. The odour identification test was presented with the Multiscent-20, a hand-held, tablet-like digital scent device that features an integrated odour digital delivery system. The identification performance on the 20 odours was assessed using item response theory (IRT). The normative curve was established by administering the test to a large sample of participants (n = 1299). The mean identification score was 17.5 (SD = 2.1). The two-parameter logistic IRT model provided the best fit, revealing variation in item discrimination and difficulty parameters. Educational attainment influenced performance, with primary education associated with lower scores. Additionally, sex was not found to be associated with performance. This study provides initial evidence supporting the validity and reliability of use of the Multiscent-20 as a digital odour identification test. The test’s automation and portability enable the standardized delivery of olfactory stimuli and efficient automatic recording and scoring of responses.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number15059
JournalScientific reports
Volume14
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 38956288

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas