Andrology-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Erectile Dysfunction and Associated Factors among Diabetes Mellitus Men at North East Amhara Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals

Addisu Getie*

Background: Erectile dysfunction among diabetic patients ranges from 20%-90% and is the most neglected problem. It can affect all aspects of client life, including physical, emotional, social, sexual and relationships. Little has been studied in developing countries like Ethiopia; therefore, this study assesses the proportion of erectile dysfunction and associated factors among men with diabetes mellitus in north east Amhara comprehensive specialized hospitals.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was used from July to August 2023. A total of 361 participants were selected using the systematic random sampling method. The data were collected using pretested intervieweradministered questionnaires. The study tool for the outcome variable was checked for reliability using the Cronbach alpha test (0.7). The data were entered into Epi data version 4.2 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 for further analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the association between dependent and independent variables. Finally, a p-value less than 0.05 was used as statistically significant.

Result: The proportion of erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes mellitus was 59% (95% CI 53.4%-64.4%). Being in the age group of 31-44 (AOR 4.46, 95% CI: 1.06-18.81); 45-59 (AOR 18.2, 95% CI: 2.9-34.5) and ≥ 60 years (AOR 19.7, 95% CI: 2.3-36.8). The presence of diabetic complications (AOR 5.5, 95% CI: 1.61-1.8.58) and the presence of co-morbidities (AOR 3.8, 95% CI: 1.3-1.0.6) were factors associated with erectile dysfunction. In addition, regular exercise (AOR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.07-0.33) and good glycemic control (AOR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.158-0.886) are inversely associated with erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion: The proportion of erectile dysfunction was high. So, there is a need for health care providers to incorporate screening for sexual dysfunction, like other complications of diabetes. This helps to prevent its early occurrence by reducing the occurrence of diabetic complications, treating co-morbidities, promoting good glycemic control and providing health information about engaging in regular exercise.

Published Date: 2025-08-11; Received Date: 2024-05-19