FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AMONG MEN WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN BOTSWANA

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common complication among men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), significantly impacting their quality of life. Men with T2DM are at increased risk of developing SD prematurely. This descriptive correlational study aimed to examine the prevalence of SD and its associated factors including age, health status, diabetes duration, HbA1C and couple satisfaction among men with T2DM in Botswana. A simple random technique was employed to recruit 200 men with T2DM attending out-patient diabetes services at Block 6 clinic Gaborone, Botswana. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Questionnaire, the Short Form-12 (SF-12), the Couple Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-4), and the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ- 14). Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis.

The results indicated a high prevalence of SD (70%), with 89% experiencing desire disorders, 99% arousal disorders, and 100% orgasm disorders. Significant associations were found between SD and all examined variables: age, health status, HbA1C, diabetes duration, and couple satisfaction with SD. Regression analysis showed that these variables collectively accounted for 43.7% of the variance in SD. Among the predictors, age emerged as the strongest predictor (β = .370, t = 5.959, p < .001), followed by health status (β = .285, t = 4.806, p < .001), HbA1c levels (β = .187, t = 3.448, p = .001), diabetes duration (β = .176, t = 3.057, p = .003), and couple satisfaction (β = .162, t = 2.942, p = .004).

These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of SD in men with T2DM. Poorer glycemic control, prolonged diabetes duration, deteriorating health, lower couple satisfaction, and advancing age are all associated with increased SD. Healthcare interventions should prioritize improving glycemic management, enhancing overall health, and offering couple-based counseling to support sexual health and well-being in this population.

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