Comparison of Prevalence Between Self-Reported Erectile Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction as Defined by Five-Item International Index of Erectile Function in Taiwanese Men Older than 40 Years

• Published in: Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.) N.J.), 2007-04, Vol.69 (4), p.743-747
• Main Authors: Wu, Chi-Ju, Hsieh, Ju-Ton, Lin, Johnny Shinn-Nan, Hwang, Thomas I.-Sheng, Jiann, Bang-Ping, Huang, Shih-Tsung, Wang, Chii-Jye, Lee, Shang-Sen, Chiang, Han-Sun, Chen, Kuang-Kuo, Lin, Hong-Da
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cohort Studies; Erectile Dysfunction - diagnosis; Erectile Dysfunction - epidemiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Prevalence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Taiwan; Urology
• ISSN: 0090-4295; 1527-9995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2006.12.019

Objectives To conduct a cohort study in men older than 40 years in Taiwan to evaluate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) by self-report and the use of the abridged, five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Methods From July to August 2003, 990 Taiwanese men older than 40 years of age completed a telephone survey designed to assess ED prevalence and sexual functioning. ED was identified through respondent self-report and investigator assessment using the IIEF-5 instrument. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance test, t test, and chi-square test, with Yates’ correction or Fisher’s method. Results The prevalence of self-reported ED was 13.1%, with 26.2% of this subgroup subsequently deemed to not have ED by IIEF-5 assessment. Among the subgroup of men self-reported to not have ED, 18.8% were found to have ED by IIEF-5 assessment. In total, 26.0% of respondents had ED by IIEF-5 assessment. The ED prevalence increased with age and a history of chronic illness. The frequency of sexual contact and sexual satisfaction were also reduced in the respondents with ED. Conclusions The prevalence of self-reported ED in Taiwanese men older than 40 years of age was 13.1% compared with 26.0% using the IIEF-5 assessment. Estimates of ED prevalence in the general population should not rely on self-reporting alone because it is likely to underestimate the true prevalence of ED.