Risk awareness and demographic characteristics associated with the use of sexual enhancement supplements among university staff: A cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates

Jairoun, Ammar Abdulrahman and Saleh Al-Hemyari, Sabaa and Shahwan, Moyad and Saeed, Balsam Qubais and Godman, Brian and Kurdi, Amanj and Zyoud, Samer H. and Ibrahim, Baharudin (2023) Risk awareness and demographic characteristics associated with the use of sexual enhancement supplements among university staff: A cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates. American Journal of Men's Health, 17 (2). ISSN 1557-9883, DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883231158531.

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Abstract

Sexual enhancement supplements (SESs) that have illegal additions of pharmaceuticals or analogues pose a significant health risk, particularly with long-term usage. When supplements are adulterated with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, dosages can vary widely and there may be an increase in adverse effects and drug-drug interactions which cannot be avoided. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate the public risk awareness toward SES and the associated adverse events as well as explore significant factors associated with knowledge and risk awareness. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among University male students and staff at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates (UAE), using a self-administered survey via a web-based electronic link to explore key issues. A total of 1,101 male subjects participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. Four hundred and thirty-three(39.3%) (95% confidence interval CI]: 33.2-44.5) participants reported using SES products. Of these, 137 (31.6%) 95% CI: 28.6-37.2] experienced adverse effects from SES product use. SES use was more prevalent among participants aged 60 to 69 years (odds ratio OR]: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.63-5.28), diabetic patients (OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.75-3.90), hypertension patients (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.45-3.1), and those overweight or obese (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.44-2.35). This study indicates that SES is a popular practice among the UAE university staff and students. However, there is a need to implement risk awareness programs to raise public awareness regarding SES use and safety. Regulatory bodies are encouraged to provide additional advice on the proper use and possible risks of consuming SES.

Item Type: Article
Funders: None
Uncontrolled Keywords: Sexual enhancement supplement; Risk awareness; Side effects; Erectile dysfunction; UAE
Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Pharmacy > Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User: Ms Zaharah Ramly
Date Deposited: 30 Nov 2023 06:15
Last Modified: 01 Dec 2023 08:54
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/38508

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