Prevalence and 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

Oral erectile dysfunction medications and sexual enhancers have increasingly been used among young men without a medical indication. Recreational use of EDMs and sexual enhancers is associated with risky sexual behavior 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 youth in JKUAT. Mixed methods were 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 sample size for quantitative data (420 male undergraduate students) and convenience sampling was used to obtain the sample for qualitative data (48 male undergraduate students). SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data while Nvivo software was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings of this study revealed that among the 420 respondents, 10 % (n=42) had used EDMs and/or sexual enhancers. There was a significant relationship between EDM 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). However, there was no significant relationship between EDMs and/or sexual enhancers' use and most of the socio-demographic factors. Most of the EDMs and/or sexual enhancers users are involved in risky sexual behavior and substance abuse including alcohol consumption. The university social environment influenced sexual risk behaviors. 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.