Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its risk factors among adult men in a Nigerian community

This study assesses the prevalence of erectile dysfunction as well as its risk factors.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among 650 adult males, aged between 18 and 70 years selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Data were obtained from respondents selected from 4 wards in Olorunda local government area of Osogbo in Osun state, Southwest, Nigeria, using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires.

Majority of the respondents were between ages 20-29 years with mean age of 33.6 ± 13.4 years. Most of the respondents [547(91.2%)] were aware of ED and 63.4% of them said it can be treated. The prevalence of ED was 43.8% and factors such as increasing age (p=0.00), hypertension (p=0.000), diabetes mellitus (p=0.000), perineal surgery (p=0.000), alcohol consumption (p=0.000), and smoking (p=0.000) were found to be significantly associated with developing ED.

The level of awareness about erectile dysfunction was high among respondents and the prevalence from this study was 43.8%. Factors associated with ED from this study included increasing age, alcohol consumption, hypertension, perineal injury and surgery. Hence, the risk of developing ED can be significantly reduced by educating men about life style modifications such as reduction in alcohol intake and smoking, as well as regular exercises.