Sexual dysfunction and mining-related jobs: A cross-sectional study in the former Katanga Province, DR Congo

Natural aphrodisiacs consumption by male workers in the former Katanga province, DR Congo

“…This mixed methods study was prompted by our observations of a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction among mineworkers and its association with a high consumption of local aphrodisiacs [10]. In two large groups of male workers, i.e., artisanal miners and collective taxi-drivers, we assessed sexual function by means of a validated questionnaire, inquired about the types and patterns of use of aphrodisiacs, and explored their possible adverse effects on liver and kidney functions, and we then interviewed a subsample of participants to explore the main reasons for using aphrodisiac plants.…”

“…We have no firm explanation for the differences in ED prevalence between our two control populations. In our previous survey [10], we had concluded from a mediation analysis that erectile dysfunction among miners was partly explained by poor quality of marital relationships, possibly due to long time spent working away from home. This was possibly also the case for our taxi-drivers, but we were not able to assess this aspect in the current study, in which we did not assess the quality of the partner relationship.…”

“…In a cross-sectional survey (23/03/2021 - 28/05/2021), we included, by convenience sampling at their workplace, 127 artisanal miners working in three copper-cobalt mines (Kamilombe, Tshabula and UCK) in Kolwezi, and 122 drivers of collective taxis (minibuses, called “matatu” in East Africa) based in Lubumbashi but sometimes working on the Lubumbashi– Kolwezi line. Miners included in the present study were different from our previous study on the prevalence of ED [10] but they belong to the same groups as those included in a study on hypoxemia during underground work [13].…”

“…As described in our previous survey [10], we used a questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic and other relevant characteristics including age (sometimes only an approximate date of birth), marital status, number of children, age of the last child, extra conjugal partner, current and past residence, occupation, lifestyle (tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use), current or chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension), use of medication, including PDE5 inhibitors, and current consumption of local aphrodisiacs (at least once a week). To assess male sexual function, we used a Swahili version [10] of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, which provides scores for five domains (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, satisfaction with intercourse, and general satisfaction) and a total score of male sexual function [14]. The IIEF has been shown to have good psychometric quality, and the internal consistency in the current sample was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95) [15].…”

“…In a previous cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of ED among artisanal mineworkers, we found a significant association between aphrodisiacs consumption and erectile dysfunction [10]. Here, we report on a mixed methods follow-up study investigating the use of aphrodisiacs by male workers in Katanga.…”