A Social-Ecological Study of Perceptions and Determinants of Sexual Enhancement Drug Use among Men and Women in Ghana

Development and psychometric properties of an instrument to measure perception of aphrodisiac use among undergraduates in a southwestern Nigerian university

A tool to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduates students of University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria was developed and validated. The study was hinged on several theories that could explain potential to use aphrodisiac among the youths. An exploratory mixed methods design was used to develop a scale to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduate students of University of Ibadan. Qualitative data collection was performed among thirty equally represented male and female students and five key informant interview participants while 919 participants completed the quantitative phase (surveys). Integration of matched qualitative themes from FGD/KII to survey domains was achieved through the 'building approach'. Qualitative themes assessing perceptions of aphrodisiac use by university undergraduate students were used to develop original survey items as well as new survey items peculiar to research subjects. Exploratory factor analysis was deployed on polychoric correlation matrix of the items using R-statistical packages. Further model fit analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis on the items suggested by EFA as well as composite reliability and construct validity tests for the constructs. Mean Z-scores of factors were computed against socio-demographics and symptoms of aphrodisiac use among respondents that have ever used it. Most respondents (84.3%) were under 25 years, mostly male (58.4%) and singles (96.3%), with 41.3% earning ≤20,000 naira monthly. The enhanced content validity of the items from mixed method analysis yielded two major domains. Two succession of factor analyses and a structural equation modeling suggested that a first-order model is good fit for experimental data (TLI = 0.931; CFI = 0.948; SRMR = 0.047; RMSEA = 0.083). The four-factor solution to the model included: prolonged sexual performance, use without erectile dysfunction or medical advice, treatment of erectile dysfunction and recreational purposes with an internal and composite reliability that ranged from 0.62-0.92 and 0.63-0.92. The validation with socio-demographics and consequences of aphrodisiac use indicated that: Male respondents, those older than 20years, the married, those from poorly educated parent and sufferers of all related consequences had statistically significant differences with poor perception of aphrodisiac use' domains. This validated instrument is good for assessment of perception of aphrodisiac use among students in tertiary institution albeit with caution. A version of the scale that is broadened with highly refined items and tested for high internal validity is suggested.

Consumption of aphrodisiac drugs without prescription among men in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study

Background: The prevalence and patterns of aphrodisiac drug consumption without prescription among men in Saudi Arabia remain underexplored, with limited empirical evidence available. Given the potential health implications and societal considerations, a comprehensive investigation is warranted. Aim: Assess the Prevalence, pattern of use and the associated factors of Aphrodisiac drugs consumption without prescription among men at Najran City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional descriptive study, 500 participants were included through convenience sampling. The utilized questionnaires covered a range of data, including socio-demographic information, patterns of aphrodisiac use, knowledge about aphrodisiacs, lifestyle details, a sexual health inventory for men, and a perceived stress level scale. Results: The study reveals a significant prevalence of unsanctioned aphrodisiac drug use (31%) among men in Najran City, Saudi Arabia, with a majority (79.3%) consuming these substances four times monthly. Associated disparities in knowledge, lifestyle, stress, and sexual function underscore the urgent need for policy interventions and tailored health education initiatives for this demographic. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the sampled population engaged in the unsanctioned use of aphrodisiac drugs, with the majority utilizing them four times monthly. Tablets emerged as the most prevalent form of consumption. Commonly cited motives and justifications included peer influence and the perceived safety of aphrodisiacs. Influential factors encompassed levels of knowledge, lifestyle, stress levels, erectile function, age, education, and the number of wives. Recommendations: Urgent policy interventions are warranted to regulate the acquisition and distribution of aphrodisiacs. Tailored health education initiatives should be implemented for married and prospective married men.