Prevalence and Pattern of Aphrodisiac Use among Adult Population in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria

Aims: To determine the prevalence and pattern of aphrodisiacs use and associated side effects among adult population in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto state Nigeria.

Study Design: A cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between February and August 2021, in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto state, Nigeria.

Methodology: We sampled 207 adults living in Sokoto metropolis via a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire and were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.23 ±12.4 years. The prevalence of aphrodisiacs use among adults in Sokoto metropolis was 138(67.6%) and up to 64(46.2%) of them have used it within the past one month. More than half (53.1%) of the respondents’ partners knew they were using aphrodisiacs; 49(66.3%) of their partners were in support of it and 101(73.2%) expressed satisfaction with the sexual performance of the respondents. Up to 61.6% of the aphrodisiacs consumed were local herbs and the major route of administration was oral route. Gender, marital status, level of education and occupational status were significantly associated with the use of aphrodisiacs (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Prevalence of aphrodisiacs use is high among men and women in Sokoto metropolis and it is associated with gender, marital status and education. Government and health workers at all levels should intensity efforts to educate the masses about the use and associated side effects through the media such as radio, television and the internet. Communication between couples should be encouraged rather than the use of the substances.