Erectile Dysfunction And Associated Factors Among Adult Hypertensive Patients Attending Outpatient Care At Public Hospitals in Harari Regional State,Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction. Sexual dysfunction is lack of sexual ideas or thoughts, diminished sexual interest or desire, and unresponsive sexual desire. Sexual dysfunctions is a prevalent issue that can impact both the patients' and their spouses' quality of life. Even though Erectile dysfunction is very common and linked to many medical and health related conditions. There was no study at public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. Objective. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending Public Hospitals in Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia. Materias and Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 31 to February 29,2024 among 413 participants selected by systematic random sampling technique. Erectile dysfunction was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function. Data were entered into EPI Data version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 14. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were done to identify factors associated with Erectile dysfunction. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed when the p-value was less than 0.05, which was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 413 male adult hypertensive patients were recruited in this study with a 98.3% response rate. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction among hypertensive patients was 54%(95% CI 49.2-58.4). Age between 61 and 80 years (AOR=3.3,95% CI: 1.06-10.32),having a depression (AOR=3.1,95%CI: 1.63- 6.16),having an anxiety (AOR=2.3,95% CI:1.21- 4.41),being in a stage 2 hypertension (AOR=3.2,95% CI:1.09- 9.77),duration of hypertension more than 10 years (AOR=5.6,95%CI:1.98-16.06),having comorbid medical illnesses (AOR=4.0,95%, CI:2.13- 7.53),being on antihypertensive polytherapy (AOR=3.6,95%CI:1.99-6.51), and being physically inactive (AOR=4.4,95% CI:2.42- 8.07) were significantly associated with erectile dysfunction. Conclusion. More than half of the study participants had erectile dysfunction. and it appears to be significantly associated with age, presence of depression and anxiety, stage of hypertension, duration of the illness, preexisting chronic illnesses, medication polytherapy, and physical activity. All hypertensive patients presenting to a physician should have routine evaluation for erectile dysfunction so as to recognize it early and reduce its effects.