Physician enquiry of erectile dysfunction among hypertensives in a primary care setting, Ilorin, north-central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction(ED) among adult hypertensives is common, yet it is under-reported, under-diagnosed and undertreated in primary care. Screening and early diagnosis of erectile dysfunction will reduce its negative effects on the quality of life among hypertensive patients.
This study was done at the Family Medicine Department of UITH, Ilorin, Kwara State. The aim was to assess the prevalence, severity pattern and physician enquiry of ED among adult hypertensives.
Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study. Data was collected from 228 adult hypertensive male patients from June through August 2016 using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and semi-structured questionnaire and was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20).
Results: The prevalence of ED among respondents was 85.1%, mild in 22.4%, mild to moderate in 28.5%, moderate in 21.5 % and severe in 12.7%. Overwhelming percentage of the respondents (86.8%) had not been asked question related to ED by their physicians.
Conclusion: This study showed that ED is a major problem and physician enquiry of ED among hypertensives is very poor.

Key Words: Erectile dysfunction, Adult hypertensives, Family physicians, Primary care and Physician enquiry.