Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an important health problem of men affecting all over the world. Risk factors for ED include age, smoking, obesity and alcohol. ED is a common condition worldwide to which little is known about the risk factors in Lebanon. The sociocultural and environmental circumstances that characterizes Lebanon allows for a unique study of the interplay of the various risk factors in ED development. This cross-sectional study seeks to estimate the prevalence and severity of ED among Lebanese men aged 45 and above and to analyze its association with lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity and alcohol.

150 Lebanese men aged 45 years and older were recruited during prostate health awareness campaigns. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used to assess the ED. Structured questionnaires were used to collect date on BMI, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption. To assess the relationship of these factors with severity of ED, Chi- square tests and logistic regression were used.

ED was highly prevalent in our sample with 86.7% of participants suffering from ED. Higher BMI and smoking were significantly associated with increased ED severity (p < 0.01) while age and alcohol consumption were not significant predictors. Analysis using logistic regression showed that the strongest predictor of severe ED was BMI (OR = 1.21, p = 0.005).

ED was highly prevalent in this cohort, affecting 86.7% of participants. Higher BMI and smoking showed a strong association with increased ED severity, while age and alcohol intake were not significant predictors. Logistic regression identified BMI as the most significant independent factor for severe ED (OR = 1.21, p = 0.005), highlighting the impact of obesity on erectile function and the need for targeted lifestyle interventions.

Smoking and obesity contribute to the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Lebanese men. This calls for public health interventions to promote smoking cessation and weight control interventions. This insight into the ED risk factors provides a good local insight for preventive strategies in such population.

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