Factors Associated with the Use of Sexual Enhancers and Erectile Dysfunction Medications among Male Undergraduates aged 18-35yrs at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Oral erectile dysfunction medications and sexual enhancers have increasingly been used among young men without a medical indication. Recreational use of erectile dysfunction medication (EDMs) and sexual enhancers is associated with risky sexual behaviour and substance use. In recognition of the sexual health challenges facing the youth, this study sought to establish the level of utilization of sexual enhancers and EDMs and factors associated with their use among the male undergraduates at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.

Methods: A concurrent nested design was used. It adopted a cross-sectional quantitative study design (through self-administered questionnaires) and a concurrent qualitative study (through Focus Group Discussions). Simple random sampling was used to obtain the required study participants for quantitative data (420 respondents) and convenience sampling for the qualitative data (48 respondents).

Results: Among the 420 respondents (aged 21.7 ±2.03years), 82.9% (n=348) had heard about EDMs and/or sexual enhancers but only 10 % (n=42) had used them. There was a significant relationship between EDMs and/or sexual enhancers use and age (P<0.001), religion (P=0.013), number of sexual partners (P=0.027), number of ‘one-night’ stands (P=0.003), and use of condom or knowledge of partner’s status before intercourse (P=0.011).

Conclusion: The prevalence of EDMs and/or sexual enhancers’ use among the students was 10%. Risky sexual behaviour and substance abuse including alcohol consumption was associated with EDMs and/or sexual enhancers’ use. The university social environment influenced sexual risk behaviour. Continuous awareness campaigns aimed at educating undergraduate students about the risks involved in the recreational use of EDMs and/or sexual enhancers should be done.