Purpose
This study aimed to clarify the relationship between andropause syndrome and health-related quality of life, as well as the mediation effect of family bond among middle-aged males in South Korea. Methods A total of 135 middle-aged males who live in B, K, and U City participated in the study, conducted from March 10 to May 31, 2021. Participants were invited to complete self-reported questionnaires measuring andropause syndrome, health-related Quality of Life (QoL), family bond, and demographic information. The data obtained were analyzed using multiple regression and a simple mediation model applying the PROCESS macro with 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval (5,000 bootstrap resampling). Results The QoL of middle-aged males in South Korea showed a significant negative correlation with andropause syndrome (r=-.32, p<.001), and a significant positive correlation with family bond (r=.59, p<.001). Futher, family bond had a mediating effect between andropause syndrome and QoL (indirect effect=-4.07, 95% Boot confidence interval=-6.53~-1.97). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, in order to improve the QoL of middle-aged males in South Korea, it is necessary to provide programs that can improve family bond along with physical and mental intervention programs to effectively alleviate andropause syndrome.

Citations

• A comprehensive analysis of research trends on andropause among middle-aged South Korean men
  Young Hwa Lee, Sun Jung Park, Hyun Ji Kim, Bock Soon Park, Hyo Yeol Jang, Ha Na Cho, Young Sook Lim
  International Journal of ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES.2023; 10(6): 129.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of the perception of aging symptoms in mediating and moderating the relationship between family function and stress in middle-aged adults.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional correlational study of 244 middle-aged men and women. Self-administered surveys were conducted using the Family APGAR, stress index, and symptom management beliefs questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, hierarchical multiple regression analysis, and PROCESS macro using SPSS 23.0.
Results
A significant interaction between family function and the perception of aging symptoms in predicting stress was found, indicating a moderating effect of the perception of aging symptoms on the relationship between family function and stress. An indirect effect of family function on stress through the perception of aging symptoms was not significant, indicating an insignificant mediating effect of the perception of aging symptoms.
Conclusion
The relationship between family function and stress differed depending on participants’ perceptions of aging symptoms. Individuals with negative perceptions of aging symptoms may be vulnerable to stress caused by poorer family function. It is necessary to develop programs to help modify negative perceptions of aging as well as strengthen family function to decrease the stress of middle-aged adults.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore conflict resolution styles, marital intimacy and family functions among breast cancer patients and their spouses.
METHODS
The subjects were total 126 participants. Breast cancer patients who completed chemotherapy and or radiation along with their spouses. Data were collected using questionnaires with questions about conflict resolution styles, marital intimacy and family functions.
RESULTS
There were no differences between breast cancer patients and their spouses in verbal aggression, avoidance of conflict resolution styles and family functions. As patients reported using positive conflict resolution styles the spouse-perceived marital intimacy and family functions were higher. Those patients who perceived marital intimacy as lower they also reported more verbal aggression and avoidance. As breast cancer patients perceived family functions increasing, their spouses perception of both intimacy and family function increased.
CONCLUSION
As these results, it should be considered as basic data to develop family intervention programs such as positive communication and effective stress management and improving of conflict resolution, intimacy and family functions among breast cancer patients and their spouses.

Citations

• Do spouse burden of care, family resilience, and coping affect family function in gynecologic cancer in Korea?: a cross-sectional study
  Minkyung Kim, Sukhee Ahn
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2022; 28(3): 197.     CrossRef
• Impact of Uncertainty on the Quality of Life of Young Breast Cancer Patients: Focusing on Mediating Effect of Marital Intimacy
  Yeong Kyong Oh, Seon Young Hwang
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2018; 48(1): 50.     CrossRef