Food Insecurity May be an Independent Risk Factor Associated With Erectile Dysfunction in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data

Abstract

Abstract Introduction While food insecurity is a global public health problem associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease, literature regarding the relationship between food insecurity and erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. Aim We aimed to determine the associations between food insecurity and ED in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods Data was extracted from 3,891 participants (aged ≥ 20 years) with ED in the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with sampling weights was conducted to evaluate the associations. Main outcome measure Food security was assessed utilizing the Household Food Security Module. A single-question self-report from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study was utilized to evaluate ED status. Results Approximately 10.2% of individuals had food insecurity. Food insecurity was significantly associated with ED after full adjustment (odds ratio [OR] 1.56; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.16–2.09; P = .003). Men with very low food insecurity had 59% higher risks of ED compared with those having high food security (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.13–2.27; P = .006). Moreover, the associations were stronger in the old people (age ≥ 60) (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.26–3.66; P = .004). Conclusions Food insecurity might be associated with higher risks of developing ED.