Premature ejaculation and its associated factors among men attending a primary healthcare clinic in Kelantan, Malaysia

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of premature ejaculation and its associated factors among men attending a primary healthcare clinic in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 18- to 60-year-old sexually active men during at least the past 6 months. Patients with unstable psychiatric illnesses, mental retardation, and illiteracy were excluded. A questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, Malay version Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and Malay version International Index Erectile Function-5 were distributed. Premature ejaculation was defined as a Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score of 9 and above. Descriptive analysis and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: A total of 294 of 313 eligible men responded, with a response rate of 93.9%. The prevalence of premature ejaculation was 21.4% (n = 63). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that mild [adj. OR (95% CI): 5.6 (1.89, 16.91); P = 0.002], mild-moderate [adj. OR (95% CI): 8.2 (2.72, 24.46); P < 0.001], and moderate-severe [adj. OR (95% CI): 6.0 (1.15, 31.23); P = 0.03] erectile dysfunctions were significantly associated with premature ejaculation. CONCLUSION: Promoting awareness on premature ejaculation among the society and healthcare providers would increase the detection rate of this disorder. Such data will also help provide better sexual health services. Research on the underlying comorbidities among men with premature ejaculation is recommended owing to its negative impact on psychosocial aspects and quality of life.