Clinical correlates of erectile dysfunction among male patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in Kuala Lumpur

• Main Authors: Nik Jaafar, Nik Ruzyanei, Mislan, Noormazita, Baharudin, Azlin, Ibrahim, Normala, Zakaria, Hazli, Abdul Aziz, Salina, Sidi, Hatta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 2012
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/24621/1/Clinical%20Correlates%20of%20Erectile%20Dysfunction%20among%20Male%20Patients%20on%20Methadone.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/24621/; http://www.medic.upm.edu.my/dokumen/FKUSK1_MJMHS_2012V08N1_OP04.pdf

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is common but not often assessed in the routine clinical care among males on opiate substitute treatment. Objective: To determine the association between clinical variables and erectile dysfunction (ED) among men on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 108 participants who attended the Drug Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The instruments used include the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I Disorder (SCID-I),Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15). Results: Concurrent heroin abuse was significantly associated with presence of ED (p=0.024). Treatment factors including methadone dose and duration of methadone treatment were not significantly associated with ED. Conclusion: Education on sexual dysfunction as a potential adverse effect and its association with illicit heroin use should be considered in the doctor-patient consultation to encourage treatment adherence and abstinence from heroin.