BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the earliest chronic complications of diabetes, with a worldwide prevalence ranging from 35% to 90%. This study aimed to assess the current prevalence and related factors of ED in individuals with diabetes.

METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 269 participants. A validated questionnaire, including the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), was utilized. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The strength of the association was determined using odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI.

RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 54.45 ± 13.19 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 12.89 ± 8.98 years. Among the 269 respondents, 243 (90.3%) experienced varying degrees of ED. Statistically significant positive associations were identified for patients with a longer duration of diabetes (adjusted OR [AOR]: 19.10CI: 2.35-155.31), microvascular complications (AOR: 6.75,CI:1.55-29.17 ), insulin therapy (AOR: 4.76,CI: 1.34-17.07), comorbidities (AOR: 8.77,CI: 3.06-25.17), and medications other than those for diabetes (AOR: 4.62,CI: 1.16-18.45). Notably, 82.2% had never discussed ED with their physicians.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ED among diabetic patients is alarmingly high. This study identified significant positive associations between ED and factors such as diabetes duration, microvascular complications, insulin therapy (with or without oral agents), comorbid conditions, and the use of non-diabetes medications. Therefore, screening, treatment, and addressing key determinants of erectile dysfunction should be integrated into diabetes care.

KEYWORDS: Ethiopia, Erectile Dysfunction, Diabetes, Prevalence, Determinants