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 Al-hemyari, Sabaa Saleh 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). pp. 1-12. ISSN 1557-9891 (https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883231158531)

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Abstract

Background: Sexual enhancement supplements (SES) that have illegal additions of pharmaceuticals or analogues pose a significant health risk, particularly with long-term usage. When supplements are adulterated with 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 towards 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, UAE, using a self-administered survey via a web-based electronic link to explore key issues. Results: A total of 1101 male subjects participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. 433 (39.3%) [95%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 60–69 years (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.

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