Measurement of erectile dysfunction in population-based studies: the use of a single question self-assessment in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study

Abstract

A concise, reliable means of assessing erectile dysfunction (ED) in large, multidisciplinary population-based studies is needed. A single, direct question for self-assessed ED was assessed in the population-based sample of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS). Of the 1156 respondents to the 1995–97 MMAS follow-up evaluation, 505 were randomly selected to complete either the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (n=254), or the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI) (n=251), in addition to the single question self-assessment. The proportion not classified due to missing data was MMAS–9%, BMSFI–8%, and IIEF–18%. The single question correlated well with these other measures (r=0.71–0.78, P<0.001). Prevalence was similar to that based on the IIEF, agreement was moderate (kappa=0.56–0.58), and associations with previously identified risk factors were similar for each classification. Thus, the MMAS single question may be a practical tool for population-based studies where detailed clinical measures of ED are impractical.