title: Use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in assistive living and home care settings.
abstract: The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess frequency of phosphodiesterase type (PDE-5) inhibitor use (sildenafil, tadalafil, ardenafil) in community settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective record review was conducted to determine PDE-5 inhibitor use in older males (mean age 79.2) residing in three assisted living communities (n=126), or living in private homes with home care services (n=109).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two participants from assisted living had PDE-5 inhibitors listed on medication profiles, while no participants from the home care setting had any listed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many factors may have contributed to the absence of PDE-5 inhibitors in records, including comorbidities precluding use; fear of side effects; reluctance to report use; and lack of erectile dysfunction diagnosis to name a few. It is unknown whether sexual function, or the need for PDE-5 inhibitors was ever assessed by providers. Future research is warranted given the aging population and the benefits of holistic assessments.
authors.affiliation: Fairfield University School of Nursing, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, USA. Electronic address: riannino-Renz@fairfield.edu.
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iannino-Renz
authors.affiliation: Fairfield University School of Nursing, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, USA. Electronic address: dmager@fairfield.edu.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mager
mesh_terms: D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006699:Home Care Services; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068581:Tadalafil / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D000068581:Tadalafil; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate
keywords: Elderly; Erectile dysfunction; Males; Phosphodiesterase inhibitors; Sexuality