Purpose
This study developed a self-management program for patients undergoing lumbar spinal stenosis surgery utilizing the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group and pretest–posttest design. Data were collected from August 11, 2022, to March 31, 2023, at a general hospital in South Korea. A total of 58 patients participated in the study (30 experimental, 28 control group). The experimental group received a six-session self-management program based on the IBM model, whereas the control group received usual education and information. Data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 23.0 using the independent t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Shapiro-Wilk test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Significant differences were observed in self-management information (p<.001), personal motivation (p=.002), social motivation (p=.002), behavioral skills (p=.002), behaviors (p=.003), health-related quality of life (p<.001), and disc height (p=.006) in the experimental group following program implementation, compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were found in lower extremity muscular strength, lumbar lordotic angle, or the visual analog scores for low back pain and leg pain between the two groups. Conclusion: The self-management program developed in this study, based on the IMB model, was effective in improving self-management information, motivation, behavioral skills, behaviors, health-related quality of life, and self-management health outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Nevertheless, future research should aim to verify the long-term effects of such self-management programs by extending the intervention period.

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