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Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly associated with methadone usage. However, little data is known regarding the health-seeking behavior for ED in the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) population. This study aimed to determine the health-seeking behavior of MMT patients with ED who perceived themselves as having ED. We aimed to assess the attitudes and health-seeking behavior, the effectiveness of the treatment and the factors associated with treatment-seeking behavior. Methods: This was an observational questionnaire-based study. Patients were first screened for ED (n = 154) using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Fifty patients with ED were evaluated for health-seeking behavior for ED. Results: More than half of the patients who thought they had ED (78%) believed their sex life was affected. Most patients (48%) did not seek any information regarding ED. Education level (p = 0.017) and marital status (p = 0.008) were predictive factors of health-seeking behavior. Conclusions: The health-seeking rate among MMT patients with ED needs to be improved. Measures to increase awareness of ED in MMT patients should be taken to overcome the barrier to health-seeking behavior. Health practitioners should take action to screen ED in this population to increase the detection rate and offer appropriate management according to the patients' needs.

Original publication

DOI

10.3390/ijerph16214249

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publication Date

01/11/2019

Volume

16

Keywords

erectile dysfunction, health-seeking behavior, methadone, Adult, Drug Users, Erectile Dysfunction, Health Behavior, Humans, Malaysia, Male, Methadone, Middle Aged, Opiate Substitution Treatment, Opioid-Related Disorders, Surveys and Questionnaires