The study results are limited by a number of procedural
and design flaws. The sample size was small
and highly heterogeneous relative to the number of
variables examined. As a result, conservative estimations
were required for a number of variables. Many
categories could have been collapsed, but meaning may
have been lost. The cross-sectional design and highly
heterogeneous sample made drawing conclusions on
the relationship between time and taste dysfunction difficult.
A prospective study could help determine how
taste impairment changes over time. The participants
were drawn from a convenience sample. Controlling
for potential mediator variables such as tobacco use,
medications, or history of medical conditions associated
with taste changes (e.g., Alzheimer disease, head
injury) would have enhanced the generalizability of
the study results. In addition, weight change was calculated
based on the first weight recorded in the clinic
chart. Head and neck cancer survivors often present
with weight loss. Change in body mass index may have
more accurately represented the relationship between
weight change and taste impairment.