Predicting Anxiety and Depression Among Erectile Dysfunction Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in Vietnam and linked to mental health issues.
• Societal taboos hinder understanding the connection between ED and mental disorders.
• Investigating factors associated with anxiety and/or depression (HAD) in ED patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with higher levels of anxiety and/or depression (HAD) in individuals with ED in Vietnam.
• To quantify the impact of specific factors on the prevalence of HAD among ED patients.

Main Methods:

• A face-to-face survey was conducted with 390 ED patients at Viet Duc University Hospital.
• Data collected included general information, International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7).
• The stepwise Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method was used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of HAD among ED patients was 17.69%.
• Factors associated with higher HAD included non-office work, work-related stress, multiple shameful experiences related to ED, moderate to severe ED, and dissatisfaction with intercourse skills.
• Multiple shameful experiences increased HAD likelihood by 16%; moderate and severe ED increased it by 17% and 31%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Mental health, particularly anxiety and depression, is significantly associated with erectile dysfunction in the Vietnamese population.
• Work-related stress, negative experiences, and ED severity are key factors contributing to mental health challenges in ED patients.
• Integrated care addressing both physical and mental health is essential for managing ED effectively.