Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and Awareness of Its Treatment in Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual dysfunction all over the World. It is underestimated in developing countries including Nigeria because it is assumed not to be a life threatening condition which is associated with stigmatization and poor health seeking behavior. The Prevalence rate of ED among specific age groups has not been reported in most available local studies. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence rates of ED and the severity of ED among different age groups and patients’ awareness of its treatment.

Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital based survey among men aged 18 years and above seen in the outpatient clinics of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. Self reported erectile dysfunction was obtained using proforma. The prevalence and severity of ED was obtained using International Index of Erectile Function-5 Questionnaire (IIEF-5).

Results: A total of 378 subjects were recruited for this study with age range of 18-76 years. The prevalence of ED in this study using IIEF-5 was 66.4%. The prevalence of ED was noted to increase with increasing age as ED was more prevalent (59%) among men aged 60-79 year. ED was least common among the young subjects (15.7%) and the most severe ED found among the elderly There was a positive correlation between age and ED (rho =0.306). There was statistically significance association between ED and co-morbidities with hypertension accounting for 22.5% and diabetes 16.7%. The percentage of subjects aware of treatment for ED was 39.4% and 20.4% of the subjects had sought help from doctors. Only about a quarter (26.5%) of the subjects had their sexual challenges discussed with the doctor.

Conclusion: ED is a common medical and social problem in our environment though still shrouded in secrecy. ED is more prevalent and severe among age 60-79 years. Awareness of treatment seeking behavior and the ability of the attending physicians to discuss with men about their sexual health remains quite poor in our environment.