Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in primary care setting, Malaysia

Background: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction (ED) among men who frequented public primary care clinics in an urban district in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 1331 men aged 40–76 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on demographic information, medical history and lifestyle factors were obtained through self administered questionnaire. ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Results: The participants' age ranged from 40–79 years with a mean of 54.7 (±8.3) years. The prevalence of ED was 69.5%. In terms of severity, 33.1% had mild, 26.6% moderate and 9.8% severe ED. The participants with increased age had reportedly higher prevalence of ED. The prevalence of ED increased from 49.7% of men in their 40s to 66.5%, 92.8% and 93.9% of men in their 50s, 60s and 70s respectively. The prevalence of moderate and severe ED also increased with age. The prevalence of severe ED was only 2.1% of men in their 40s and rose to 22.4% of men aged more than 60 years. The prevalence of ED among those with diabetics or heart disease was the highest (89.2%) followed by hypertensives (80.4%) and hypercholesterolaemia (78.9%). Men in their 50s (OR = 2.0) and 60s (OR = 13.5) had higher odds in ED. Conclusions: This study found that ED was common among men aged 40 years and above at the primary care setting. The prevalence and severity of ED increased with age.