Frequency of erectile dysfunction in COPD patients

Objective : Objective of study was to investigate the frequency of erectile dysfunction in COPD patients. Methods : This cross sectional study was conducted in pulmonology department of Nishtar Hospital Multan. 336 outpatients diagnosed as COPD according to Global Initiative of Chronic Lung Disease criteria, were included by non-probability consecutive sampling from February 2016 to august 2016 after taking the approval from ethics committee of the institution. Written consent of the study was signed by all patients. All patients were divided in mild, moderate, severe and very severe form of COPD on basis of FEV1. All patients completed International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using SPSS vol 23. Numerical variables like age, BMI and duration of COPD were statistically analyzed by using their mean and standard deviation and t-test was used to check their significance. Non numerical variables like area of living, income status, smoking status and different stages of COPD were statistically analyzed by using their frequency and chi square test was applied to check the significance. P value <0.05 was taken as significance. Results : Overall, 100% (n=336) male patients were included, in this study. The main outcome variable of this study was Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Classification of erectile dysfunction was noted as no, mild, moderate and severe as 32.7% (n=110), 23.5% (n=79), 16.4% (n=55) and 27.4% (n=92) respectively. Classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was observed as mild, moderate, severe and very severe as 5.1% (n=17), 45.8% (n=154), 32.1% (n=108) and 17% (n=57) respectively. No association was found between erectile dysfunction and area (p=0.484), stratified age (p=0.970), stratified BMI (p=0.283), except income (p=0.000) and smoking status (p=0.000) Conclusion : Erectile dysfunction is hidden and under discuss comorbidity in COPD patients. There is significant prevalence of erectile dysfunction in COPD patients. All respiratory physicians should ask and investigate erectile dysfunction in COPD patients. All patients of COPD should be encouraged to share their sexual problems. Key words : COPD, Erectile dysfunction, sexual function