(O-06) Sexual Dysfunction and Serum Prolactin Level in a Sample of Patients with Methamphetamine Dependence in Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Methamphetamine usage has become more widespread, which is a global societal concern. Drug-related vulnerable behavior can be avoided with the help of drug use data. The incidence and characteristics of sexual dysfunction are not well understood among Saudi patients, despite the fact that it is widely prevalent among methamphetamine abusers. The aim of this cross-sectional comparative investigation was to test the relationship between male’s dependent on methamphetamine and sexual dysfunctions in Erada Complex in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional comparative study was designed from September 2023 to March 2024 to evaluate sexual function among patients with methamphetamine dependence in comparison to healthy controls. In cases group, we included male patients who were married, aged 18-65 years old (target population of Erada complex), who were diagnosed with methamphetamine dependence according to DSM-IV criteria and not prescribed any psychotropic medications for the last 6 months before entering the research. Patients with other substance use disorders, diagnosed with psychiatric conditions and/or had history of chronic medical diseases and endocrinal diseases were excluded from the study. 124 Saudi male participants were included (69 patients who admitted in Addiction department of Erada Complex and Mental Health in Dammam and 55 males from patients` families and males from medical staff matched to their age) using a questionnaire designed for demographic information, Arabic version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) to confirm the diagnosis of methamphetamine dependence and exclude other psychiatric disorders. Measurement of FSH, LH, Testosterone and Thyroid profile were done to exclude participants with abnormal levels that could affect the results of the study. Both cases and control group were evaluated by the Arabic version of international index of erectile function (IIEF) scale to assess all parameters of sexual function in males. Lastly, measurement of prolactin level was done to evaluate the association between sexual dysfunctions associated with methamphetamine and prolactin level. Results One hundred twenty-four male participants were involved in this study with mean age of 32.81 ± 6.51 years. They were consisting of 44.35% of controls and 55.65% of patients. 47 males from the cases group (68.12%) were having erectile dysfunction while, only 19 males (34.55%) from the control group were complaining from erectile dysfunction. The patients who had erectile dysfunction were divided into four categories which were 36.17% (Mild), 38.3% (Mild to moderate), 14.89% (moderate) and 10.64% (severe). There was a significant negative correlation between prolactin levels and scores of erectile function among cases group. Conclusion Erectile function was significantly impacted by methamphetamine addiction in tested group of male Saudi patients, according to the investigation's current findings. There was a significant negative correlation between erectile function scores and levels of prolactin. There is an urgency to reduce harm through proper sexual behavior instruction, rehabilitation for addiction, and substance abuse prevention.