PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN MIDDLE AGED AND ELDERLY KOREAN MEN IN PRIMARY CARE

Introduction and Objective Sexual dysfunction (SD) is highly prevalent worldwide. Several studies have investigated the risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) individually. However, few studies have considered ED, PE, and LOH as categories of SD. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SD and its associated risk factors in primary care patients. Method Study subjects were enrolled by 18 family physicians from 15 hospital-based family practices in Korea from August 2010 to May 2011. Participants answered a questionnaire regarding their demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors as well as the Korean version of the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male, the International Index of Erectile Function, and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool questionnaires. Results and Conclusions SD prevalence among the study participants ≥40 years old was 64.9%. ED prevalence was 43.7%, PE prevalence was 38.6%, and LOH prevalence was 16.8%. SD prevalence was significantly associated with increased age and low income. Obesity was a significant lifestyle factor associated with SD. SD prevalence was significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and depression. Findings highlight the importance of asking screening questions for SD in primary care, especially in these groups of patients.