Objective: We assessed the frequency of erectile dysfunction and associated risk factors among diabetic patients attending Kinshasa hospitals.

Methods: We enrolled 205 male diabetic patients (mean age: 53 ± 11 years) from three public hospitals at Kinshasa to assess erectile dysfunction defined by a score of 6 to 20 on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Logistic regression model was applied to identify determinants of erectile dysfunction. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Erectile dysfunction was observed in 59% (95% CI: 52.2 - 66%) of diabetic patients; it was mild, moderate and severe in respectively 68.6%, 25.6% and 7.5%. It commonly affected older patients (55 ± 11 years vs. 51 ± 12 years, p = 0.004) with a longer duration of diabetes (11 ± 6 years vs. 9 ± 6years, p = 0.045), abdominal obesity (p < 0.001) and diabetic retinopathy (p < 0.001). In the logistic model the odds for erectile dysfunction increased with abdominal obesity (OR: 12.9 and 95%CI [5.39-30.91]; p < 0.001), age (For age > 50 ans: 7.9 [2.62-23.74]; p < 0.001), uncontrolled diabetes (7.1 [2.43-20.62]; p < 0.001), hypertension (2.8 [1.13-6.87]; p = 0.027) and chronic kidney disease (2.5 [1.05-5.93]; p = 0.038).

Conclusion: The magnitude of erectile dysfunction among diabetic patients requires early detection and precocious prevention through control of diabetes, hypertension and underlying obesity.