Demographic Profile and Associated Psychological Factors among Patients with Erectile Dysfunction Attending Tertiary Care Centre at Raigarh (Chhattisgarh)

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection sufficient for successful vaginal intercourse. ED is a common problem worldwide that affects men with increasing age. ED not only deteriorates sexual life of men but also makes them prone to experience psychological distress. Aim: Present study aimed at investigating the demographical profile and psychological  factors were correlated with the ED. Methods: The cross-sectional study design with the total 197 patients in ED were selected in 18 to 60-year age groups, from Late Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Govt. Medical College, Raigarh, C.G., India (LAMGMC) and associated hospital. The χ2 test was used for analyzing the data. Results: Total 197 patients were selected, the majority of the patients were mildly affected by ED (n=99, 50.9%). There were Significant correlations between patient’s psychological factors e.g. Dissatisfaction on household income (P=0.030), Blame themselves (P= 0.001), feeling of guilt (P=0.000), less desirable (P= 0.000), feeling hurt (P= 0.000), feeling of anger or bitterness (P=0.000), depression (P=0.005), feeling like a failure (P=0.000), Worry of ED will affect closeness with a partner (P= 0.000), and worry for a future relationship (P= .001), and the association of socio demographic factors were insignificant. Conclusion: ED is a significant health problem and affect psychological well-being of patients. Besides pharmacological therapy, patient education on ED also plays an important role in the management of ED. Assessment early diagnosis and treatment of ED and psychological problems are crucial for patients, as untreated psychological problems can further worsen the ED condition as well as impair patients’ overall QoL.