Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to examine the differences in the degree of premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, and stress according to the gender role identity of female university students.
METHODS
Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires from 308 female university students. Data analysis was done with SPSS 10.1 for descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Duncan's multiple-range test.
RESULTS
The most prevalent type of premenstrual syndrome was androgenic(33.8%), followed by undifferentiated(25.0%). There was a significant difference in dysmenorrhea according to residence. In addition, there were significant differences in premenstrual syndrome according to age, and in stress according to age and economic status. Also, there was no significant difference according to dysmenorrhea and there were significant differences in premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea according to gender role identity. Premenstrual syndrome and stress were the most prevalence in female type, but the lowest severe in masculine type.
CONCLUSION
The study variables can be influencing factors in the gender role identity of female university students. Also, the findings can provide the basis for the development of nursing interventions to establish the gender role identity of female university students.

• Keywords: Students; Gender identity; Premenstrual syndrome; Dysmenorrhea; Stress