Abstract
Background: Men who use erectile dysfunction medications for recreational purposes may be at increased risk of becoming psychologically dependent, which in turn could lead to psychogenic-based erectile dysfunction symptoms. Sildenafil has become one of the most commonly prescribed and abused drugs available today.Objectives: This study aimed to describe the utilization pattern and associated factors of sildenafil citrate among its users visiting community pharmacies in Gondar, Ethiopia.Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 20, 2017 to May 10, 2017, among male clients who visited community pharmacies in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data from Sildenafil users older than 18 years, that started using the drug (Sildenafil) for at least 6 months before the data collection period. A regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between study variables, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.Results: A total of 65 men participated in the study. Of the total study participants, 33.8% were aged 25–34 years and about 40% of them had multiple sexual partners. The use of sildenafil for recreational purposes was 66.2% and was found to be higher than its use for medical purposes 33.8%. Use of the drug for <1-year duration (AOR = 34.086, 95% CI [2.90, 401.37]) and 2 years duration (AOR = 21.42: 95% CI [2.10, 218.82]) were significantly associated with its use for recreational purpose. Non-recreational use of sildenafil includes erectile problems associated with diabetes mellitus (27.1%), heart disease (9.2%), hyperlipidemia (4.2%), and relationship problems due to stress and poor communication (3.1%).Conclusion: Most men who use sildenafil citrate do so for recreational purposes, and use of sildenafil citrate for 2 years or less was associated with recreational use. There should be a collaborative effort among pharmacists, health professionals, and policymakers to improve the rational use of sildenafil.
Highlights
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be defined as a failure to attain or maintain an erection adequate for pleasing sexual activity
The respondents reported the use of alcohol and multiple illicit drugs with sildenafil in which more than half of the respondents reported that they use alcohol (63.1%) followed by cigarettes (36.9%) and khat (23.1%)
Most men who use sildenafil citrate do so for recreational purposes, and use of sildenafil citrate for 2 years or less was associated with recreational use
Summary
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be defined as a failure to attain or maintain an erection adequate for pleasing sexual activity. It is a relatively common medical problem and is estimated to affect 322 million people worldwide, of whom 30 million live in Africa [1]. Medications may be a causal factor in which ∼25% of cases of ED are caused by either prescription or over-the-counter medications. Drugs used socially such as nicotine, alcohol (in excess), and other recreational drugs increase the prevalence of organic ED [2]. Sildenafil has become one of the most commonly prescribed and abused drugs available today
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