PREFERRED PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS BY PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION VISITING PSYCHIATRY OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT IN AN TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Abstract

Objective: Sexual dysfunctions are increasing day by day. Various formulations are available for the treatment of same. There has been psychological mind-set among Indian patients to have powdered medicines for the sexual dysfunction management. The aim of this study was to analyze the preferred formulation by the patients for the treatment sexual dysfunction. Methods: A cross-sectional and observational study was undertaken from January 2018–January 2019 in psychiatry OPD of a tertiary care teaching institute after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A semi-structured questionnaire was made collecting information on demographic details and preferred pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions. Results: Out of 164 participants who were analyzed, the most common age group having sexual dysfunctions was found to be 21–30 years (44%). Patients preferred Ayurvedic form of treatment (38.41%) over Allopathic (23.17%). Patients were in favor of SOS medications (51.83%) than day or night doses. Majority of the patients wanted drugs in tablet form (67.07%), in monthly doses (43.9%), of white color (39.02%), along with water (54.88%) and at <Rs.100 per strip (67.07%). Conclusions: Majority of the patients prefer Ayurvedic form of treatment and SOS, on monthly basis, white colored tablets, taken with water at affordable prices. These factors need to be kept in mind while formulating new drugs and guidelines to ensure better compliance.