Psychosocial risk factors of erectile dysfunction among heterosexual men living with HIV

ABSTRACT

The risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) is significantly higher in men living with HIV (MLWH). Despite the adverse effects of ED on quality of life for MLWH, there is a lack of research on the psychosocial factors that may influence ED, especially among heterosexual MLWH. According to a recent systematic review, findings on the psychosocial risk factors of ED in past studies have been largely conflicting or inconclusive. To bridge this gap, we analyzed psychosocial and other correlates of ED among a sample of 317 primarily Black and Latino heterosexual adult MLWH in New York City. Data collection involved quantitative surveys administered using a combination of computer-assisted personal interview and audio computer-assisted self-interview techniques. After adjusting for age and general health, the relative risk of ED among heterosexual men living with HIV was associated with higher HIV-related stigma, anxiety, depression, and negative HIV-coping; greater social support was associated with a lower risk of ED. In addition, the data were consistent with the potential effects of childhood emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and structural discrimination on the risk of ED. Overall, our research findings help provide a better understanding of the psychosocial factors associated with ED among heterosexual MLWH.

KEYWORDS:

• Erectile dysfunction
• human immunodeficiency virus
• men’s health
• sexual health

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, JM, upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant to JM from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD R01HD57793).