Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in sub-Saharan Africa. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent but under-evaluated complication, with no published data in the DRC before this study. To describe the prevalence, severity and impact on quality of life of ED in male stroke survivors in Kinshasa using internationally validated instruments. Multicentre cross-sectional study (N = 131 male participants). Five instruments: full IIEF-15 (5 domains), HADS, EQ-5D-5L, SQOL-M and mRS. Mean age 49.9 ± 12.6 years. ED prevalence (IIEF-EF ≤ 25): 86.1% (105/122), including 32.8% very severe. Probable depression (HADS-D ≥ 8): 33.6%. Global health VAS: 75.8 ± 10.4/100. SQOL-M: 32.2 ± 4.9/55 (84.6% moderately impaired). Favourable mRS (0–2): 76.3%. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the DRC simultaneously applying the full IIEF-15, SQOL-M, EQ-5D-5L and HADS in stroke survivors. The 86.1% prevalence exceeds all African data. In routine post-stroke follow-up in Kinshasa, simple screening for ED and depressive symptoms may help identify a neglected dimension of recovery that requires no additional equipment.
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