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Erectile dysfunction in Singapore: prevalence and its associated factors--a population-based study
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. james_tan_kn@ttsh.com.sg
Singapore Medical Journal
|May 24, 2003
Summary
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects over half of Singaporean men aged 30+, with prevalence and severity increasing significantly with age after 50. Age is the primary risk factor, highlighting ED as a growing health concern.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Public Health
Background:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting men's health and quality of life.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of ED in specific populations is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Singaporean males aged 30 and above.
- To investigate the association between ED and demographic, medical, and lifestyle risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cross-sectional study involving 729 men aged 30+ in Singapore.
- Utilized the abridged, five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire.
- Logistic regression analysis identified significant independent risk factors for ED.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of ED was 51.3%, with mild (23.2%), moderate (8.8%), and severe (19.3%) categories identified.
- ED prevalence increased with age, from 42.8% in men in their forties to 77.4% in their sixties.
- Age over 50 was the most significant risk factor; others included Indian ethnicity, lower income, physical inactivity, diabetes, and cardiac diseases.
Conclusions:
- Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent among Singaporean men.
- Age is the most critical physiological factor influencing erectile function, with significant increases in prevalence and severity after age 50.
- Given an aging population, ED poses a substantial public health challenge requiring proactive healthcare resource planning.