Authors |
Saigal
CS, Wessells H, Pace J, Schonlau M, Wilt TJ; Urologic Diseases in America
Project.
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND:
To our knowledge, the burden of disease attributed to erectile dysfunction
(ED) has not been adequately quantified across a complete spectrum of
age and race using a global disease definition, as recommended by the
National Institutes of Health consensus statement. To obtain a better
understanding of the national estimates of prevalence and risk factors
for ED, we analyzed data from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey.
METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collects
data by household interview. The sample design is a stratified, multistage,
probability sample of clusters of persons representing the civilian noninstitutionalized
population. Data include medical histories in which specific queries are
made regarding urological symptoms (including ED). These items were selected
for analysis in 3566 men, 20 years and older.
RESULTS: In men 20 years and older, ED affected almost 1 in 5 respondents.
Hispanic men were more likely to report ED (odds ratio [OR], 1.89), after
controlling for other factors. The prevalence of ED increased dramatically
with advanced age; 77.5% of men 75 years and older were affected. In addition,
there were several modifiable risk factors that were independently associated
with ED, including diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.69), obesity (OR, 1.60), current
smoking (OR, 1.74), and hypertension (OR, 1.56). CONCLUSIONS: The burden
of ED on the US population is significant. Hispanic men had an elevated
risk for ED, a finding that requires confirmation in prospective studies.
Obesity, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes mellitus are significantly
associated with ED risk. Mitigation of these risk factors may ameliorate
the burden of ED.
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