Use of single-question screening for erectile dysfunction: a study of at-risk Asian men in primary health care.

This study assesses the validity of a single-question screener for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men at risk in comparison to a standard validated tool - the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). A total of 174 men with at least one risk factor for ED were studied, with 58.0% and 10.9% of the study respondents meeting the criteria for their erectile impairment by IIEF-5 and single-question screener respectively. Our results suggest that in spite of high feasibility, a simplified, single-question screener has low sensitivity in capturing ED prevalence, even in an at-risk population, within the Asian context.

Advice for Individuals Travelling to High Altitude

More people are traveling to remote places for leisure and business. It is not uncommon for patients to get medication and advice for travel to high altitudes. Although high altitude cerebral and pulmonary oedemas are more frequent at very high and extreme altitudes, they may sometimes occur at lower altitudes and lead to fatalities. Even though acute mountain sickness (AMS) is generally deemed benign, it can easily wreck a holiday. The Lake Louise Score Questionnaire is a useful screening tool for AMS and it can be self-administered during travel. Non-pharmacological means in the prevention and treatment of AMS, especially acclimatisation, are the most important. Pharmacological prevention and treatment strategies should be used as a useful adjunct. This paper provides an approach to the provision of education and advice for high altitude travel in the primary care setting.