Poor sleep quality and erectile dysfunction in students from a Peruvian University: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent sexual health concern.
• Sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a factor influencing overall health, including sexual function.
• Young university students may face unique stressors affecting both sleep and sexual health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sleep quality and erectile dysfunction among young university students.
• To determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in relation to sleep quality in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 381 male university students aged 18-30 years.
• Validated instruments including the International Index of Erectile Function and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used.
• Prevalence ratios were calculated using generalized linear models, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

• Over half of the students (50.9%) reported poor sleep quality.
• Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (adjusted Prevalence Ratio = 6.48).
• Sleep apnea showed a positive association with ED, while overweight and obesity showed negative associations.

Conclusions:

• Poor sleep quality is an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction in young university students.
• These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep health in student populations to mitigate sexual health risks.
• Academic and relationship stressors may contribute to poor sleep and subsequent sexual dysfunction in students.