Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Reported Erectile Dysfunction among Adult Male Patients Receiving Cardiovascular Care in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: The global incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is on the rise, with an estimated 152 million men currently affected. Cardiovascular risk factors are strongly linked to the occurrence of ED, particularly in men with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In countries like Nigeria, where it is not typically viewed as life-threatening, ED often receives less attention. Consequently, there is limited data on selfreported ED among patients seeking cardiovascular care in cardiac clinics. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of self-reported ED among adult patients with CVD visiting a cardiac center. Materials and Method: A retrospective hospital-based study of self-reported ED patients carried out in a cardiac center among males (31-82 years) in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria, over a one-year period (October 2022 to January 2024). Participants’ demographic data and medical history were retrieved and analyzed. Results: The study had a total of 23 male subjects. Majority of the participants were between 50-69 years old (47.8%), 65.2% took alcohol and 21.7% smokes cigarette. 82.6% had a history of hypertension and (73.9%) were on antihypertensive, (34.8%) had diabetes mellitus, (17.4%) were on antidiabetic while (60.9%) were on other forms of medication. Overweight and obesity account for 34.8% and 52.2% of the subjects respectively. Beta-blocker (23.5%) was the frequently used medication and angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors was the least accounting for (5.9%). Conclusions: The increasing incidence of ED among patients with CVD risk factors and an aging population suggest that patients should be screened. ED may become a significant public health problem and closer attention needs to be paid to control these patients to reduce further complications. Keyword: Erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular risk factor, cardiac Centre, self-reported, Good Heart medical consultants’ Hospital.