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.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Wu
Chi-Ju
CJ
Shu-Tien Urology Clinic, Chung Shan Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Hsieh
Ju-Ton
JT
Lin
Johnny Shinn-Nan
JS
Hwang
Thomas I-Sheng
TI
Jiann
Bang-Ping
BP
Huang
Shih-Tsung
ST
Wang
Chii-Jye
CJ
Lee
Shang-Sen
SS
Chiang
Han-Sun
HS
Chen
Kuang-Kuo
KK
Lin
Hong-Da
HD
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan