Prevalence and Socio-demographic Profiles of Adult Males with Erectile Dysfunction in a Nigerian Primary Care Clinic: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions worldwide among men. It is an especially distressing problem, as the ability to perform sexually is important to men, and the loss of this function may lead to emotional distress, marital discord, and decreased productivity, which could subsequently impair overall quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and the sociodemographic factors associated with erectile dysfunction among adult males in a primary care clinic at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted among 392 sexually active adult males aged ≥18 years at the general outpatient clinic of the UITH. Data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The International Index for Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) was used to assess ED. The study results showed the mean age of participants to be 45 ± 16.49 years, and the prevalence of ED was 59.9%. The ED prevalence was found to be significantly associated with age (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001), educational status (p=0.001), and occupation (p=0.001). Conclusively, the prevalence of ED was high among the study population and was more prevalent in older men, married men and widowers, men with no education, and retirees. Hence, early screening and treatment are required in these groups of adult men.