RiteeshGrandhi/sciclaimeval-shared-task huggingface dataset:
Materials and Methods
The study was conducted using a cross-sectional and descriptive design. The sample of the study consisted of 223 voluntary patients aged 18 years and over who applied to the cardiology outpatient clinic and had no other medical diagnosis other than hypertension. Data were collected via face-to-face surveys conducted at outpatient cardiolology clinics of a public hospital, a city hospital, a training and research hospital, and a private hospital between November 10, 2023, and March 01, 2024.

The study utilized the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire along with a personal data identification form. The personal data identification form included demographic information such as gender, age, marital status, education level, years of hypertension, current medications, smoking status, years of smoking, and alcohol use.

The IIEF Form, developed in 1997 for assessing sexual functions in men ( Jose & Alfons, 2007 ), has been widely recognized for its validity, particularly in large-scale multicenter clinical studies. IIEF was translated into Turkish by the “Turkish Andrology Association” ( Aydin, 1998 ). Scores on the scale range from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 25. Interpretation of scores categorizes 5–7 points as severe, 8-11 points as moderate, 12–16 points as mild-moderate, 17–21 points as mild, and 22–25 points as indicating no ED.

The data analysis for the study was conducted using IBM SPSS 26.0 statistical software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were calculated. Student’s t -test was utilized for comparing normally distributed data, while the Mann–Whitney U test was employed for non-normally distributed data. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to assess variables with more than two normal and non-normal distributions, respectively. Correlation analyses, including Pearson and Spearman correlation, were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. The significance level was set at p < 0.05, and results were evaluated based on a 95% confidence interval.

The study obtained ethical approval from the Bezmialem Vakıf University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee, with decision number 2023/145, dated June 14, 2023. Before completing the questionnaire, participants were informed about the study, and written consent forms were obtained from each participant.
Results
Table 1 presents the personal data of the participants along with the total score of IIEF. The participants had a mean age of 63.26 ± 7.62 years, with 97.3% being married. Additionally, 46.6% of participants were primary school graduates, 9.4% reported alcohol use, and 13% were smokers, with an average duration of smoking of 22.83 ± 6.94 years. The mean duration of hypertension was 7.92 ± 4.06 years, and the most commonly used medication among participants (27.8%) was ACE Inhibitors. Notably, 81.6% of participants had erectile dysfunction, with the mean IIEF total score indicating a mild level of dysfunction (18.72 ± 3.60) ( Table 1 ).

Table 2 illustrates the relationship between the personal characteristics of the individuals and the IIEF total score. Significant correlations were found between age, smoking status, education level, medications used, and the IIEF score ( p < 0.05). Specifically, as age increased, the prevalence of ED was higher. Moreover, smokers exhibited a greater likelihood of experiencing ED, while individuals with lower education levels also showed a higher prevalence of ED. Additionally, beta blocker users demonstrated a significant association with ED ( p < 0.05).

Table 3 displays the correlation between age, duration of hypertension, duration of smoking, and the IIEF total score. Significant negative correlations were observed between age and the IIEF total score, as well as between the duration of hypertension and the IIEF total score ( p < 0.05). These findings indicate that as age and the duration of hypertension increase, the severity of ED tends to worsen.
Limitations
The study has some limitations. Research on erectile dysfunction is limited because sexuality is culturally regarded as taboo in Turkey, making it difficult for individuals to openly express their problems and evaluate treatment options. Therefore, it is recommended that the study be developed with a larger, multicenter sample group.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction represents a significant health concern that can manifest in male patients with hypertension. Hypertensive men should be regularly evaluated for sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction. Patients should be informed about this potential side effect and encouraged to report any changes in functioning to their doctor. In this study, age, smoking, educational status, year of hypertension and β -blockers used as antihypertensives were found to be factors that increased the prevalence. Considering the modifiable risk factors that increase ED in hypertensive men, it is important to adopt non-pharmacologic treatment approaches such as diet, exercise, physiotherapy, psychosocial interventions, patient and partner education before starting pharmacologic treatment by encouraging individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle. Pharmacologic treatment strategies include reducing the dose of medication, switching to another class of medication or adding another agent. Treatment of sexual dysfunction will help improve medication adherence in the treatment of hypertension. In addition, the physical and mental health of hypertensive men with ED, which may negatively affect the quality of life of hypertensive men, should be evaluated with a multidisciplinary team and perspective, and care and treatment should be organized.
Participants’ personal data, IIEF total score (n= 223).
Relationship between participants’ personal characteristics and IIEF total score (n= 223).
Correlation between age, duration of hypertension, duration of smoking and IIEF total.