INFLUENCE OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION ON COMMUNICATIONPATTERNS AMONG COUPLES IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARASTATE

Abstract
Sexual intimacy is a crucial element of human existence, closely associated with emotional bonds and the fulfillment of relationships. However, issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) can significantly hinder both communication and the harmony within a marriage. Therefore, this study investigated erectile dysfunction and its influence on communication patterns in marriages among couples in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. Specifically, the study examined the influence of erectile dysfunction (ED) on both verbal and non-verbal communication between married couples in the study area. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 302,666 couples in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. A sample of 402 participants was selected using a multistage sampling procedure that included stratified, proportionate, and accidental sampling techniques.
Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was validated by three experts in the relevant field. The reliability of the instrument was established through a pilot study, and the Spearman–Brown prophecy formula yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.86, indicating satisfactory reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages, to answer the research questions, while the Chi-square (χ²) statistical test was employed to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that erectile dysfunction significantly affects communication patterns between couples across multiple dimensions, particularly through avoidance, withdrawal, frustration, and silence (χ² = 39.685, df = 3, p < 0.05). The results further indicated that erectile dysfunction significantly influences verbal communication among married couples in Ilorin, Kwara State (χ² = 49.670, df = 4, p < 0.05). The study concluded that ED led to avoidance, withdrawal, frustration, and silence and make communication harder between couple. This implied that ED lead to misunderstandings between spouses in Ilorin, Kwara State. The study recommended that Couples should engage in open and honest communication about their feeling’s desires, and concerns related to erectile dysfunction.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE