Abstract
IntroductionThere has been an increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population especially among Diabetic patients. This seems to be neglected problem in low-income countries. This study aims at establishing the prevalence of ED and associated risk factors in diabetic patients attended at Diabetic Clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital.MethodsA cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted among 312 diabetic patients attending diabetic clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital between May and December 2011.ResultsMore than half (55.1%) of the patients were found to have some form of ED (12.8% had mild dysfunction, 11.5% moderate and 27.9% severe dysfunction). The severity of ED was correlated with increased age. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ED was significantly predicted by old age (odds ratio (OR) = 7.1, 95% CI 1.2-40.7), evidence of peripheral neuropathy (OR) =5.9, 95% CI 1.6-21.3), and evidence of peripheral vascular disease (OR =2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3). Also longer duration of DM was marginally associated with ED (p=0.056). Patients with ED were also more likely to suffer other sexual domains (p<0.001). No lifestyle factor was associated with ED.ConclusionThe prevalence of ED is high among DM patients. Interventions aimed at prevention, early diagnosis and detection of DM and its complications, and adherence to treatment to prevent complications should be implemented. Further studies should emphasize on temporal variation to show true causality of DM on erectile dysfunction.
Highlights
There has been an increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population especially among Diabetic patients
Over a period of 8 months, May to December 2011, a total of 503 male diabetic patients were attended at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) diabetic clinic where by 312 (62%) were eligible for the current study
This study showed that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is high among DM patients
Summary
There has been an increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population especially among Diabetic patients. This seems to be neglected problem in low-income countries. This study aims at establishing the prevalence of ED and associated risk factors in diabetic patients attended at Diabetic Clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital. Erectile dysfunction (ED) defined as inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse is documented to be a major problem especially among diabetic patients [1]. In study that was done in Massachusetts, United States of America showed that diabetic men are 3 times as likely to develop ED as non-diabetic men.[5] increased duration of diabetes was shown to increases both the prevalence rate and severity of ED [6]. In addition the prevalence of ED greatly increases with age [8,9,10,11]
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