Prevalence and determinants of erectile dysfunction among diabetic patients attending to selected governmental hospitals, Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia Region, Ethiopia: A prospective cross-sectional study

Diabetic men have been reported to have a 3-fold increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). However, no studies have been conducted in our study area to assess the prevalence and determinants of ED among diabetic patients. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of ED among diabetic patients attending selected governmental hospitals in Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia Region. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 320 diabetic patients who attended follow-up visits between September 1 to December 30, 2020. Data on socio-demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were obtained in accordance with standard guidelines. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles were analyzed using the A25 BioSystems clinical chemistry analyzer. Data entry and analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of ED. Of the 320 diabetic patients included in the study, 233 (72.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.5-77.8) were found to have ED. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with ED: being in the age group of 40 to 49 years (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 5.91; 95% CI: 2.09-16.76), alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.88-7.60), khat chewing (AOR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.28-4.64), use of antihypertensive medication (AOR = 5.72; 95% CI: 1.57-20.86), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.23-4.57), elevated total cholesterol (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.33-6.65), and poor glycemic control (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.41-5.10). This study revealed a high prevalence of ED among male diabetic patients. The identified determinant factors should be carefully considered in the prevention, early detection, and management of ED in this population.