Could a rural lifestyle decrease the prevalence of erectile dysfunction?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a specific population and explore potential correlates with lifestyle.


METHODS
This prospective observational study, covering a population of a very small rural town, included 2000 men aged > or = 20 years from a total population of 121 831 (51% female and 49% male). The International Index of Erectile Function was completed by each of the 2000 men at their homes over a 1-year period. Another questionnaire assessing socio-economic status and health-related determinants of ED were also completed.


RESULTS
All 2000 men completed the questionnaires; overall, only 34 reported ED (1.7%). The frequency of mild, mild to moderate, moderate and severe ED was 12%, 29%, 20% and 38%, respectively. Significantly more men aged > 51 years had ED than those aged <41 years (0.05% and 0.45%, respectively; P < 0.001). There was no difference in ED with salary levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of ED in this particular rural population of Brazil was very low, at only 1.7%. Although ED increases with age, this association was not apparent for all age groups. It seems that several others factors, e.g. lifestyle, culture and diet, could be important for the onset of ED.
De Almeida Claro
Joaquim
J
Division of Urology, Federal University of São Paulo, Paulista School of Medicine, Brazil. joaquimclaro@hotmail.com
Kaufmann
Oskar Grau
OG
Alarcon
Gustavo
G
Aguiar
Wilson
W
Nadozza
Archimedes
A
Ortiz
Valdemar
V
Srougi
Miguel
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires