Abstract:
Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to attain and maintain an
erection for satisfactory sexual performance. There has been an increase in the prevalence of
erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population especially among men living with HIV on
ARVS. This increase has been attributed to the disease itself and to several factors, such as
dyslipidemia, antiretroviral therapy, age, diabetes, smoking and depression.
Objectives/Aim of the study: To evaluate the magnitude and factors associated with Erectile
Dysfunction among men living with HIV on ARVS attending care and treatment clinic at
Muhimbili National Hospital.
Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at Care and Treatment Clinics
at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam from August 2020 to January 2021.
Participants comprised of males aged 18 years or above with regular sexual partners who
were on ARTs for at least 6 months, within the scope of their clinical WHO stage. Using
convenient sampling, we recruited 420 males. The international index of erectile dysfunction
(IIEF) was used to identify the ones with ED. A structured questionnaire was used to collect
data from the patients. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23.Tables, graphs and charts
were used to present the gathered information. Erectile dysfunction was measured using IIEF
index and categorized as mild, moderate, severe or normal erectile function.
Results: A total of 420 males aged more than 18 years living with HIV on ARVs were
recruited. Sixty four percent of the study respondents had erectile dysfunction. There were
42% of respondents with mild ED, 17% with moderate ED and only 1% with severe ED.
Among the factors which showed increased risk of ED were age, depression, cigarette
smoking and duration of treatment with ARVs .
Conclusion :It is evident that Erectile dysfunction among men living with HIV is common
.The study found that the prevalence and severity of ED increased with an increase in age ,
duration of treatment , cigarette smoking and depression
