Mixed-design cross-sectional study on the impact of quality of life and self-esteem in Spanish men with erectile dysfunction during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

A cross-sectional study incorporating quantitative and qualitative analyses was conducted between 2020 and 2022, to evaluate the perception of quality of life and self-esteem in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), exploring factors associated with these psychological constructs. General and sexual-specific quality of life, self-esteem, and confidence, were measured in men with ED in Spain, using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (SLQQ), and Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire. Comprehensive interviews were conducted to deepen the understanding of how ED impacts various aspects of life. 353 men participated in the quantitative phase and 21 in the qualitative phase. 54.9% of participants rated their general quality of life as good or very good. No association was found between the perceived quality of global life and the quality of erection or severity of ED. The median SLQQ score was 33.75 (IQR 22.5), and the median SEAR subscale self-esteem score was 37.5 (IQR 25). It was found that the duration of ED and the frequency of sexual activity influenced self-esteem and confidence in men with ED. In the qualitative assessment, the subjects considered that ED did not influence aspects of their life unrelated to sexual health.