Prevalence and Associated Factors of Erectile Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Background and hypothesis: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, with erectile dysfunction (ED) being a common complication that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. In Cameroon, knowledge regarding the prevalence and associated factors of ED among chronic haemodialysis patients remains limited. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction among chronic haemodialysis patients followed up at the General Hospital of Douala. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Haemodialysis Unit of the General Hospital of Douala over a 6-month period, recruiting 79 male patients. Erectile dysfunction was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with erectile dysfunction. Results: Among the participants, 37% (21) had moderate ED, 37% (21) had mild ED, and 21% (12) had severe ED. Factors associated with ED included diabetes (aOR = 9.7, p = 0.002), stress (aOR = 1.67, p < 0.001), and marital problems (aOR = 1.76, p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction among chronic haemodialysis patients, with associated factors such as diabetes, stress, and marital problems. We recommend that nephrologists systematically screen for erectile dysfunction in these patients and adopt a multidisciplinary management approach, including psychological and urological follow-up as well as rigorous management of comorbidities, to improve their quality of life.