Subjectivity on andropause among middle-aged men using Q methodology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify type of subjectivity onandropause among middle-aged men using Q methodology. Methods/Statistical analysis: For the Q population, an indepth interview and literature review were used to select 32 Q samples for Q-sort. P-sample was made with 29 middle-aged men and Q-sort was performed on a 9-point scale according to their subjective agreement. The analysis is performed by PC-QUNAL program. Findings: Four types of andropause in middle-aged men were identified: overcome hard type, a sense of futility and depressed type, health and sexual function-centered type, and support-centered type. Improvements/Applications: As the result of this study suggests, based on classification of andropause in middle-aged men, intervention program for middle-aged men will need to be developed and different, individualized intervention strategies provided.