ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN FAMILY PRACTICE: THE PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL CORRELATES AMONG ADULT MALE PATIENTS PRESENTING AT THE GENERAL OUTPATIENTS DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is high globally, and it is increasing.
Erectile dysfunction causes immense psychological distress in the sufferer which
could lead to strained relationships, which lead to separation in the family and tense
interpersonal relations with family and friends. ED causes mental stress, which leads
to fearfulness, anxiety, depression, loss of self image and suicide in the sufferer.
Erectile dysfunction is therefore an important public health problem which needs to
be studied. This study among male patients presenting in a frontline hospital, will
help the Family Physicians appreciate the magnitude of the problem among their
male patients and ascertain the clinical correlates that exist in this environment.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction
in this catchment area, and described its relationship to the physical characteristics,
medical and psychosocial factors of the individuals, as well as its effect on the family
relationship.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of four hundred and fifty adult male
patients aged 18 to 70 years who presented at the General Outpatients’ Department
of the University College Hospital, Ibadan between February 2005 and April 2005.
They were interviewed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)
questionnaire.

RESULTS:
The overall prevalence of ED was 55.1%. The prevalence of the mild ED was 32.6%,
moderate ED was 17.8%, whilst severe ED was 4.7%. The prevalence of ED
increased significantly with age (p = 0.008) and its severity also worsened with
increasing age. The prevalence of ED was found to be significantly associated with
an increase in the social class of respondents (p = 0.011). The low level of physical
activities was significantly associated with an increase in the prevalence of erectile
dysfunction (p = 0.025). There was a significant association between the prevalence
of erectile dysfunction and increase in BMI of the respondents (p = 0.012). Among
the diabetic respondents, the prevalence of ED was 72.7%, while among the
hypertensive, peptic ulcer disease and depressed respondents; it was 70.6%, 70.4%
and 59.2% respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of ED in men taking
medications for the treatment of chronic medical illnesses such as oral hypoglycemic
agents, antidepressants, antihypertensive and peptic ulcer drugs was 87.5%, 83.3%,
57.1% and 50.0% respectively. As expected, the respondents’ dissatisfaction with
sexual life was found to increase significantly with the severity of erectile
dysfunction (p = 0.000). Partner(s) dissatisfaction with the respondents also
increased significantly with the severity of erectile dysfunction (p = 0.000). The
frequency of sexual activities was found to have a significant inverse association
with the severity of erectile dysfunction in the respondents (p = 0.000).
CONCLUSION:
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was high among males in this setting. It was
easily diagnosed in the primary care setting with the use of the IIEF questionnaire
and clinical assessment. Efforts should be made by the Family physicians to detect
this condition, find the possible aetiology or clinical correlates and institute
management promptly to alleviate the social and psychological problems that result.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN FAMILY PRACTICE: THE PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL CORRELATES AMONG ADULT MALE PATIENTS PRESENTING AT THE GENERAL OUTPATIENTS DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN