A cross-sectional internet based survey of Australian MSM was undertaken. Participants were asked to provide information on their use of PDE-5Is, demographic variables and to complete the MSM version International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-MSM). The six item ED score (EF-6) was used in the analysis. Univariate and binary logistic regression (BLR) analyses were undertaken for those attempting active anal intercourse (GP 1, n=324) and those attempting all forms of sexual activity (GP 2, n=237). Independent variables included in the BLR were age, casual partner, regular partner, smoking and EF-6 score.
Univariate analysis of GP 1 and 2 found age, EF-6 and having sex with casual partners were associated with PDE-5I use. BLR analysis found significant models for both analyses [GP1: (N = 308, χ2 = 95.8, df = 2, p <0.0005; GP2: N= 227, χ2 = 73.44, df = 2, p < 0.0005]. Age [GP1: OR 1.07 (95%CI 1.05, 1.10); GP2: OR 1.07 (95% CI 1.06, 1.09)] and EF-6 [GP1: OR 0.90 (95% CI 0.86, 0.94); GP2: OR 0.89 (95% CI 0.85, 0.93)] were found to be predictors of PDE-5I use for both analyses.
The current results suggest that ED and age are the primary factors predicting PDE-5I use in this sample. While sex with a casual partner was associated with PDE-5I use in the uivariate analyses, which may suggest a contribution of recreational use or psycho-social factors, it did not remain significant in the multivariate analyses.
