INTRODUCTIONErectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent lack of ability to attain and maintain an erection which is sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. 1 Erection is a complex interplay of phenomenon like arterial dilation, trabecular smooth muscle relaxation, and activation of the corporeal veno-occlusive mechanism and requires a coordinated equilibrium between the neurological, vascular and the tissue compartments.ED may occur as a result of vasculogenic, neurogenic, anatomical, hormonal, drug-induced and/or psychogenic factors.2 Burden of disease on men suffering from ED in particular and also on their partners has a significant ABSTRACT Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent yet underestimated disorder among men, associated with a significant burden of illness. The understanding of pathophysiological factors has led to better assessment of the disease yet a lot of patients are left dissatisfied and undertreated. The study was undertaken to elicit the various life style and psychological variables associated with ED. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on cases of ED reporting in urology OPD in 3 months period. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. ED was addressed in five domains using International index of erectile function (IIEF) scale. Information collected included socio demographic factors, life style variables and psychological factors [perceived stress (PT), self-esteem (SST) and erectile performance anxiety (ET)]. Data collected was analyzed using independent sample t test. Results: A total of 155 cases of ED participated in the study. Their mean age was 33.93±5.05 years (range 25-48). 80.6% were non-smokers, 54.8% were alcoholic and 22.6% patients performed light physical activity. There was no statistically significant association between different life style variables with five domains of International index of erectile function except for the domain of orgasmic function with consumption of drugs (p=0.017) and intercourse satisfaction with physical activity(p=0.045). Barring the domain of overall satisfaction most of the other domains of ED showed a significant association with psychological variables. Conclusions: Contrary to lifestyle factors, psychological factors are significantly related to ED and need to be addressed effectively for improving patient treatment outcome.

Background: Fired clay bricks, an important construction material, are manufactured in non-mechanized, labour intensive brick kilns which mostly employ unskilled men and women. The workers, as an occupational hazard, are exposed to dust and air pollution leading to respiratory diseases.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among brick kiln workers in RS Pura block of Jammu district. The workers were assessed regarding respiratory symptoms and illnesses using translated version of American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A).Results: 692 brick kiln workers were interviewed during the course of survey and 58.8%of them were males. 45% of the respondents were working since last less than three years. Among the respiratory symptoms chronic cough, was present in 23.55% and phlegm in 22.83% of the respondents. Chronic bronchitis was present in 20.52% of the respondents. Association of respiratory symptoms in relation to sex of the respondents was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms and illness were found to be quite prevalent in the brick kiln workers. More research needs to be conducted to assess other health risks besides respiratory morbidity. Health planners need to plan for their basic sanitation facilities and periodic check ups.

Background: Normal sexual desire coupled with physical inability to act is a major source of mental stress in interpersonal relationships which subsequently affects the quality of life of patients.Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted among patients of erectile dysfunction visiting the Urology OPD of tertiary care hospital. Study instruments used were international index of erectile function (IIEF) to assess sexual functions and version of the WHO QOL scale (WHOQOL-BREF) to assess quality of life.Results: 168 patients were interviewed and 62.5% of them were less than 45 years of age. Age, income and presence of co-morbidity were found to be statistically significantly associated with ED (p<0.05). Overall QOL scores were lower in severe grades of ED as compared to milder grades and this difference was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Erectile dysfunction has a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients which reemphasizes the need to diagnose and manage ED at the earliest.