World J Mens Health.  2016 Dec;34(3):186-193. 10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.3.186.

Recreational Use of Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors and Its Associated Factors among Undergraduate Male Students in an Ethiopian University: A Cross-Sectional Study

• Gebreyohannes EA
• Bhagavathula AS
• Gebresillassie BM
• Tefera YG
• Belachew S
• Erku DA

• KMID: 2364201
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.3.186

Abstract

PURPOSE
To assess the prevalence of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor use and associated factors among University of Gondar undergraduate students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An institution-based, cross-sectional study, using a survey questionnaire, was conducted from October to December 2015 to assess PDE5 inhibitor use and associated factors among male students at the University of Gondar. A Self-Esteem and Relationship questionnaire (14 items), an International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (15 items) and a questionnaire on PDE5 inhibitor use (14 items) were included in the survey.
RESULTS
Across all respondents (age, 21.9±1.88 years), more than half (55.7%, n=233) had heard about PDE5 inhibitors, but only 23 men (5.5%) reported trying a PDE5 inhibitor drug at least once. Older students were more likely to use PDE5 inhibitors compared to younger students (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.109~1.768). Those students who were smokers were 5.15 times more likely to use PDE5 inhibitors as compared to their non-smoking counterparts (AOR, 5.15; 95% CI, 2.096~12.687). In addition, multivariate logistic regression showed that being in a relationship, alcohol use, greater number of cigarettes smoked per day, and more sexual partners were significantly associated with PDE5 inhibitor use.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of PDE5 inhibitor use among undergraduate students was 5.5%. Cigarette smoking and other substance use, older age, and greater number of sexual partners were significantly associated factors for PDE5 inhibitor use. These findings suggest that restricting access to PDE5 inhibitor drugs is essential to curtailing misuse among university students.

Keyword

Erectile dysfunction; Ethiopia; Male; Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors; Sildnafil citrate

MeSH Terms

Cross-Sectional Studies*
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5*
Erectile Dysfunction
Ethiopia
Humans
Logistic Models
Male*
Odds Ratio
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors*
Prevalence
Sexual Partners
Smoke
Smoking
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tobacco Products
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
Smoke

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Mean scores±standard deviations of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire (n=212).

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