Association between Stress and Erectile Dysfunction among Adult Patients in a Tertiary Center in Nigeria

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex disorder with a biopsychosocial etiology that causes chronic stress on the individual thereby worsening the outcome of the disorder. The aim of this study is to establish an association between stress level and erectile dysfunction among adult patients presenting in the general outpatient of our tertiary hospital. A cross sectional study involving 421 adult males selected by simple random sampling was conducted using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF-5) and the Modified Percieved Stress Scale (PSS-10) Among the respondents, 219(52%) had ED while a greater proportion of those who had ED had mild ED 109 (49.8%). The other factors associated with ED on bivariate analysis include tobacco use (p < 0.05), alcohol intake (p < 0.05), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, use of anti hypertensive drugs, use of oral hyperglycaemic drugs, and perceived stress levels. Logistic regression showed that age, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and perceived stress levels were independent predictors of ED among the respondents. Perceived stress level has been found to be associated with ED. Routine evaluation of sexual health and the perceived stress levels of men isrecommended, while stress management as part of management of ER is highly advocated.