Factors associated with use of sexual enhancers and erectile dysfunction medications among male undergraduates aged 18-35yrs at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Oral erectile dysfunction medications and sexual enhancers have been increasingly abused among young men without a medical indication. Recreational use of erectile dysfunction medication (EDMs) and sexual enhancers is associated with risky sexual behaviour and substance use. In recognition of the sexual health challenges facing the youth, this study sought to establish the level of utilization of sexual enhancers and EDMs and factors associated with their use among the youth in JKUAT. Methods: A concurrent nested design was be used. It adopted a cross-sectional quantitative study design (through self-administered questionnaires) and a concurrent qualitative study (through Focus Group Discussions). Simple random sampling was used to obtain the required study participants for both quantitative data (420 respondents) and qualitative data (48 respondents). Results: Among the 420 respondents (age, 21.7 ±2.03years), 82.9% (n=348) had heard about EDMs and/or sexual enhancers but only10 % (n=42) has used them. There was a significant relationship between EDM and/or sexual enhancers use and age (P<0.001), religion (P=0.013), number of sexual partners (P=0.027), number of ‘one-night’ stands (P=0.003), and use of condom or knowledge of partner’s status before intercourse (P=0.011). Conclusion: The prevalence of EDMs and/or sexual enhancer use among the students was 10%. Risky sexual behaviour and substance abuse including alcohol consumption was associated with EDMs and/or sexual enhancers’ use. The university social environment influenced the sexual risk behaviours. Continuous awareness campaigns aimed at educating undergraduate students about the risks involved in the recreational use of EDMs and/or sexual enhancers should be done.