Erectile dysfunction in hypertensive males in Kenya: a tertiary referral hospital experience

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in males can be organic or/and psychological.

To determine the burden of ED among adult hypertensive men attending ambulatory clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Descriptive cross-sectional study on patients on antihypertensive medications, followed for ≥ one month. The tools used were five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) for ED and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for alcohol use.

Among 385 patients, the mean age was 56.2 ±11.3 years, median follow up in medical clinic was 5 years. The mean body mass index was 26.3 ± 4.6 kg/m2, 209(54.3%) were pre-obese/obese. Current smokers were 76(19.7%) while 133(34.5%) were former smokers. Alcohol use in the past year was reported by 256(68.5%), while hazardous alcohol intake was in 54(14%). Prescribed antihypertensives in various combinations included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers to 292(75.8%), calcium channel blockers to 238(61.8%), beta blockerso 129(33.5%) and thiazide diuretics on 77(20%). Using IIEF-5 tool, the prevalence of ED was 364(94.5%) (95%CI 92.2-96.6) distributed as mild in 255(70%), moderate 76(21.9%) and 33(9.1%) severe.

The burden of ED is high among hypertensive males. Precipitants of ED like cigarette smoking and alcohol use and use of antihypertensives which can cause ED are prevalent too.