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

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.