A Study of Andropause Symptoms and Life Satisfaction among Middle-aged Men

Kim, Jung Hee; Lee, Young Joo

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aims to understand andropause symptoms and life satisfaction among middle-aged Korean men. METHOD: The subjects were selected among men in their middle age who visited one of two university hospitals or a convalescent center in Seoul. Korea. Eight items were used to measure their andropause symptoms. Life Satisfaction Index-Z was used to measure life satisfaction.
RESULTS
Major symptoms related andropause. in the order of frequency, include memory loss, muscle weakness. powerlessness and impotence. Among the subjects. 62.5% smoked and 70% drank alcohol. and life satisfaction was generally moderate in the participants. Current smokers and alcohol drinkers reported a low level of life satisfaction. Diabetic patients and subjects who had powerlessness and hot flashes of andropause symptoms experienced a low level of life satisfaction. Muscle weakness was more frequent in current smokers, and powerlessness more in alcohol drinkers.
CONCLUSION
This study's findings indicate that and ropause is one of major health concerns among middle-aged men. It reminds us of the smoking and alcohol drinking issues among middle-aged men. These findings show the necessity to improve strategies for nursing intervention in andropause symptoms and health risk behaviors.