The severity of andropause symptoms and its relationship with social well-being among retired male nurses: a preliminary cross-sectional study

Background Andropause is a syndrome that occurs due to decreased androgen levels in men. Various aspects of health, such as social well-being, can affect andropause status during men's retirement. This study aimed to determine the severity of andropause symptoms and its relationship with social well-being among retired male nurses. Methods This preliminary cross-sectional study was conducted on 284 retired male nurses in Ardabil (northwest of Iran). The participants were selected through the census sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Male Andropause Symptoms Self -Assessment Questionnaire (MASSQ), and the Social WellBeing Scale (SWBS). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). Results The study found that the overall mean scores of the severity of andropause symptoms and social wellbeing among retired male nurses were 57.24 +/- 12.62 (range = 35-91) and 94.54 +/- 12.77 (range = 75-123), respectively. The highest and lowest mean scores between dimensions of social well-being were related to social contribution (20.26 +/- 2.47) and social acceptance (15.26 +/- 2.77), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that subscales of social well-being, age, marital status, and spouse's menopause were predictors of the severity of andropause symptoms among retired male nurses. The selected predictors accounted for 53.1% of the total variance in severity of andropause symptoms (F = 36.613, p < 0.001). Conclusion The results showed a moderate to severe prevalence of andropause among retired male nurses and a significant association between andropause and social well-being. The study suggests further research to examine sexual orientation and other factors that may affect andropause in retired male nurses.