Risk Awareness and Demographic Characteristics Associated With the Use of Sexual Enhancement Supplements Among University Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Sexual enhancement supplements (SESs) that have illegal additions of pharmaceuticals or analogues pose a significant health risk, particularly with long-term usage. When supplements are adulterated with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, dosages can vary widely and there may be an increase in adverse effects and drug–drug interactions which cannot be avoided. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate the public risk awareness toward SES and the associated adverse events as well as explore significant factors associated with knowledge and risk awareness. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among University male students and staff at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates (UAE), using a self-administered survey via a web-based electronic link to explore key issues. A total of 1,101 male subjects participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. Four hundred and thirty-three(39.3%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.2–44.5) participants reported using SES products. Of these, 137 (31.6%) [95% CI: 28.6–37.2] experienced adverse effects from SES product use. SES use was more prevalent among participants aged 60 to 69 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.63–5.28), diabetic patients (OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.75–3.90), hypertension patients (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.45–3.1), and those overweight or obese (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.44–2.35). This study indicates that SES is a popular practice among the UAE university staff and students. However, there is a need to implement risk awareness programs to raise public awareness regarding SES use and safety. Regulatory bodies are encouraged to provide additional advice on the proper use and possible risks of consuming SES.

COVID-19 Vaccines Status, Acceptance and Hesitancy among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study and the Implications for Pakistan and Beyond

“…A pilot study was subsequently conducted prior to the initiation of the full-length study by inviting 20 potential participants. We have successfully used this approach in previous studies where there is no specific validated instrument; however, one can be successfully adapted from previous studies using the experience of the co-authors [ 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 ]. After incorporating the recommendations/suggestions of the participants in the pilot study, the study instrument had the following three sections: Section-I: This section collected data on the demographics of the study population, hemodialysis-related details and the COVID-19 vaccination status.…”