Help-seeking behavior for erectile dysfunction: a clinic-based survey in China

Abstract

The behavior of Chinese patients seeking help for erectile dysfunction (ED) has not been described in detail. This was an observational study conducted using an outpatient clinic-based questionnaire survey of ED patients. From 2008 to 2009, physicians in 10 medical centers in China enrolled 2693 men (aged 25–70 years) diagnosed with ED. The diagnosis was based on the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) Questionnaire. The men completed a survey that asked questions about demographics, marital status, education level and household income as well as help-seeking behavior and awareness of medical therapy. The mean age of the 2693 men was 43.4 ± 5.3 years; 73% were <50-years-old and 49% had a high household income. The mean time between noticing ED and taking the first treatment was 4.3 ± 2.1 months. Of the 2577 respondents, physicians (54%) and the internet (52%) were most frequently consulted sources for information about ED. Young ED patients preferred using the internet and older patients preferred consulting with physicians. Western medicine (19%) and traditional Chinese medicine (16%) were most frequently used for treatment. Young ED patients preferred to first search the internet for information, whereas older patients first asked physicians for help. Side effects of treatment were the greatest concern, especially for older patients. Physicians and the internet are frequently consulted for ED information and therapy. On the basis of these survey results, we believe that physicians in China should enhance health education about ED, especially via the internet.

Health-Seeking Behavior for Erectile Dysfunction in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients

“…Most of the patients (48%) did not refer to any source for ED information. This result differs from that of Zhang et al [25]. Zhang, Yu, He and Jin [25] showed that, among primary health care patients with ED in China, physicians (54%) were the most frequently consulted source, followed by the internet (52%) and friends (34%).…”

“…This result differs from that of Zhang et al [25]. Zhang, Yu, He and Jin [25] showed that, among primary health care patients with ED in China, physicians (54%) were the most frequently consulted source, followed by the internet (52%) and friends (34%). Only 6% of ED patients did not refer to any source [25].…”

“…Zhang, Yu, He and Jin [25] showed that, among primary health care patients with ED in China, physicians (54%) were the most frequently consulted source, followed by the internet (52%) and friends (34%). Only 6% of ED patients did not refer to any source [25]. Among ED patients in primary healthcare who had talked to someone about their ED condition, partners (54.1%) were the most frequent source of ED information, followed by doctors (32.4%) and friends (6.3%) [26].…”

Sexual dysfunction in Chinese rural patients with schizophrenia

“…In general population, most studies have reported more common sexual dysfunction in females than in males [35, 36]. About 20–30% of men and 40–45% of women reported at least one item of sexual dysfunction [37–39]. In a previous study in India, 70% of female patients with schizophrenia reported having sexual dysfunction [40].…”

Comparison of self-report and objective measures of male sexual dysfunction in a Japanese primary care setting: a cross-sectional, self-administered mixed methods survey

“…Existing literature supports, particularly in East Asian countries, men feeling ashamed about seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction treatment and it poses a considerable barrier for men seeking treatment. 16 17 19 20 Western studies have found feeling ashamed to be a much less frequent reason than East Asian countries. 14 15 East Asian societal perceptions that sexual activities are not important for older people may reinforce feeling ashamed and reluctance to seek treatment.…”