Evaluating Factors Associated with the Use of Aphrodisiacs among Adult Male Residents in Ashaiman Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Background: There is limited scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of aphrodisiacs and more worrying is the fact that potential adverse health effects could result from the abuse of aphrodisiacs. Despite the safety concerns raised by the FDA on the abuse of unregistered sex enhancing products, the patronage remains high amidst debilitating side effects. We explore the factors influencing the use of aphrodisiacs while assessing the prevalence of aphrodisiac usage among men in the Ashaiman Municipality of Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and March 2018 at the Ashaiman Municipality. Structured questionnaires were administered to 370 consented and purposively selected adult males (18 years and above) through interviews. Data on variables such as respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics, sexual characteristics, knowledge and use of aphrodisiacs were obtained. Analysis was done with aphrodisiac use as the main outcome of interest. A bivariate statistical analysis was done with aphrodisiac use as the main outcome of interest. Results: Out of the 352 men, 52.6% reported ever using aphrodisiacs at some points in their lives. Majority (68.7%) of the users first used aphrodisiacs between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Usage was found to be higher among those with lower educational attainment. Number of sexual partners, the presence of sexual problems, advertisement, and knowledge of side effects were statistically associated with the use of aphrodisiac (p < 0.05). About 50% of the aphrodisiac users had no sexual problems indicating recreational use. Majority of the responders (52.4%) acquired the aphrodisiacs from drug peddlers. Conclusions: This study revealed the use of aphrodisiac is still high among adult males, and that the participants’ levels of education and knowledge of side effects serve as a protective factor to the likelihood of using aphrodisiacs. There is a need for health institutions to embark on extensive educational programmes to educate the public on the devastating health consequences from the indiscriminate use of aphrodisiacs without medical indication.