Erectile Dysfunction and Depression in Males with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Uyo, South-South Nigeria

Background: Co-morbidity between erectile dysfunction and depression is reported high among males with type 2 diabetes mellitus and these constitute a major public health challenge due to the number of persons affected by these conditions and the negative impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Aim: This study assesses the prevalence of self-reported erectile dysfunction and depression among males with type 2 diabetes mellitus and examines factors associated with them.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 103 male subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were consecutively recruited from May 2019 to September 2019. Data were obtained with an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the international index of erectile function questionnaire (IIEF) and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton depression rating scale.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 62.78±14.1 year. Mean duration of illness and erectile dysfunction are 8.92±6.3 years and 5.64±5.7 years respectively. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 71.8%. About 50.2% of respondents reported severe degree of erectile dysfunction and 28.2% reported no erectile problems. Erectile dysfunction was significantly associated with depression in our sample (x2=9.26, P=.002). The mean depression score was 24.52±8.2 and the prevalence was 68.6%. Time with diabetes mellitus and glycaemic control status were factors significantly related to the risk of developing erectile dysfunction and depression.

Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction and depression is highly prevalent among males with type 2 diabetes mellitus and these should be addressed in the course of treatment of these patients.