title: The ability of the general male public to assess their suitability to take 50-mg sildenafil: an assessment of the comprehension of patient information materials via internet survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual dysfunction and has a negative impact on masculinity and self-esteem. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, are the first-line treatment option for ED. Providing appropriate information regarding suitability for using sildenafil is important.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess whether a broad spectrum of men could appropriately evaluate their suitability for 50-mg sildenafil after reviewing patient information materials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient information (Pack) on appropriate use of 50-mg sildenafil and patient information leaflet (PIL), a Web survey including demographics, self-assessed suitability for sildenafil use, and suitability screener.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomly selected, population-representative Web-based panel of males in the UK was recruited for this study. Eligible men answered a brief sociodemographic questionnaire and then were presented with the Pack. If a participant desired additional information, he could also review the PIL. The participants then rated the Pack and PIL (if reviewed), self-assessed their suitability for sildenafil use, and completed a previously validated screener for suitability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1,275 men aged 40 and above were included in these analyses; the mean age was 57.8 ± 9.9 years. A total of 1,054 men reported ED; 517 men (40.5%) deemed themselves suitable for sildenafil; 504 men (39.6%) deemed themselves unsuitable; and 254 (19.9%) were unsure. The concordance rate between screener-assessed suitability and self-assessed suitability was 70.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 68.1-73.7%). When accounting for men who would not take sildenafil even though they were suitable or would seek additional information from a healthcare professional prior to using sildenafil, the concordance rate was 84.2% (95% CI = 82.2-86.2%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that men in the general population are capable of using written sildenafil patient education materials to accurately assess their suitability for treatment with 50-mg sildenafil.
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Ltd., Sandwich, Kent, UK United BioSource Corporation, Bethesda, MD, USA. tara.symonds@pfizer.com
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Symonds
authors.forename: Karin S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Coyne
authors.forename: Mary Kay
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Margolis
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schnetzler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D032882:Comprehension; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011687:Purines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012647:Self-Assessment; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate