Prevalence and Predictors of Erectile Dysfunctions among Men on Antiretroviral Therapy in South‑western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunctions (EDs) are common presentations among men on anti‑retroviral therapy, many of who had a course to discontinue anti‑retroviral drugs or search for alternative treatments.

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of ED among men on anti‑retro viral therapies (ART) in a Nigerian population.

Subjects and Methods: It was a descriptive cross‑sectional survey among 234 HIV‑positive men on anti‑retroviral therapy selected using stratified sampling method after excluding for co‑morbidities. Research instrument was semi‑structured interviewer administered questionnaire, and data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 17.0 (Chicago IL, USA), while binary logistic regression and Chi‑square test were used to demonstrate association between selected categorical variable.

Results: Mean age of respondents was 37.1 (1.6) years, 85.6% have not missed their medications, self‑reported adherence was reported as good among 213 [(90.8 %) 213/234], though calculated adherence was 90% among as many as 201 [(85.6%) 201/234]. Pattern of EDs revealed weak erection among 42 [(37.8%) 42/111], 15 [(13.5%) 15/111] said they could no longer achieve erection, 33 [(29.7%) 33/111] said they could not maintain erections, while 27 [(24.3%) 27/111] presented with loss of libido. Delayed and premature ejaculations were reported among 24 [(21.6%) 24/111] and 8 [(7.2%) 8/111] respectively. About 14% (33/234) of respondents said that anti‑retroviral drugs could have caused their ED while 78% (183/234) said it should not. A statistically significant association exists between having weak erections and age above 65 years and calculated the adherence <95%, while none exists between having weak erections and missing pills.

Conclusion: Anti‑retroviral drugs are common causes of EDs. Concerns of clients should always be addressed most especially issues that may compromise adherence.

Keywords: Adherence, Anti‑retroviral therapy, Erectile dysfunction