A cross-sectional analysis of the association between screen-based sedentary behavior and erectile dysfunction in US adult males

Abstract

Abstract Despite previous studies, the association between screen-based sedentary behavior (SB) and erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between screen-based SB and ED using data from the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 4,047 participants were included, of whom 1,192 (29.5%) had ED. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze this association. After adjusting for potential confounders, screen-based SB exceeding 2 h per day was significantly associated with an increased risk of ED (OR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.12–1.56; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis further confirmed a consistent and independent positive association across different population groups (all p for interaction > 0.05). These findings suggest a significant relationship between prolonged screen-based SB and ED in U.S. adult males. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.