MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: A PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH PROBLEM IN ZIMBABWE

Abstract

Objectives: The problem of male sexual dysfunction is on the increase in Zimbabwe with not much clinical evidence on people’s understanding of the topic under study and their treatment options. In trying to understand male sexual dysfunction the study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the incidence of male sexual dysfunction and to explore community perceptions on male sexual dysfunction.

Methods: In trying to answer the above stated objectives the study triangulated quantitative and qualitative research approaches making use of a survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews as data collection methods.

Results: The study found out that most people were not aware that male sexual dysfunction was a health problem that required medical attention resulting in most people resorting to

traditional herbs in their quest for sexual satisfaction. The study further out that people had varied knowledge on the prognosis and understanding of male sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion: The research concludes that as a result of the stigma that is associated with male sexual dysfunction disorders a lot males end up resorting to indigenous diagnosis and treatment. The study therefore recommends a multi-disciplinary team to achieve all-inclusive management of the problem under study. Awareness and literature on male sexual dysfunction should be provided to reduce stigmatization of male sufferers at all levels.