“A good little tool to get to know yourself a bit better”: a qualitative study on users’ experiences of app-supported menstrual tracking in Europe

Abstract

Background Menstrual apps facilitate observation and analysis of menstrual cycles and associated factors through the collection and interpretation of data entered by users. As a subgroup of health-related apps, menstrual apps form part of one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing developments in biomedicine and health care. However, despite their popularity, qualitative research on how people engaging in period-tracking use and experience these apps remains scarce. Methods Between June 2016 and March 2017, we conducted 26 qualitative interviews with menstrual app users living in Austria and Spain. The participants were asked about their practices and experiences regarding app-supported menstrual tracking. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using the software NVivo. Results An inductive content analysis was performed and eight characteristics of app-supported menstrual tracking were identified: 1) tracking menstrual cycle dates and regularities, 2) preparing for upcoming periods, 3) getting to know menstrual cycles and bodies, 4) verifying menstrual experiences and sensations, 5) informing healthcare professionals, 6) tracking health, 7) contraception and seeking pregnancy, and 8) changes in tracking. Our study finds that period-tracking via apps has the potential to be an empowering practice as it helps users to be more aware of their menstrual cycles and health and to gain new knowledge. However, we also show that menstrual tracking can have negative consequences as it leads to distress in some cases, to privacy issues, and the work it requires can result in cessation. Finally, we present practical implications for healthcare providers and app developers. Conclusions This qualitative study gives insight into users’ practices and experiences of app-supported menstrual tracking. The results provide information for researchers, health care providers and app designers about the implications of app-supported period-tracking and describe opportunities for patient-doctor interactions as well as for further development of menstrual apps.

A scoping review of the information provided by fertility smartphone applications

“…This scoping review sought to summarise the peerreviewed evidence of information about fertility provided to the public through fertility-based female reproductive health apps, and to determine if this information is able to educate app users effectively on these topics. Reproductive health apps are embraced by the public for many reasons ranging from data tracking and informing health, to preventing pregnancy and family planning (Levy & Romo-Aviles, 2019). It is essential that their current impact on decisionmaking and knowledge be understood, as well as the opportunity they present to become a trusted, reliable source of information and advice.…”

“…Indeed, the effectiveness and value of fertility apps may be determined indirectly through the qualitative analysis of app users as identified in this review. Women consistently report the value of learning about their bodies, often without any prior desire to seek care or education (Hamper, 2020;Lee & Kim, 2019;Levy & Romo-Aviles, 2019). This reiterates the importance of integrating validated women's reproductive health content in topics within apps, as it enables the opportunity for exposure to pertinent topics of reproductive health and wellbeing that the user may deem as irrelevant, or have overlooked altogether.…”

“…Finally, the accuracy of apps' fertility information in a number of records was difficult to ascertain due to the limited descriptions: mainly centred around qualitative statements unable to be verified, such as 'excellent in providing awareness of the menstrual cycle', 'receive useful advice concerning their health' (Staric et al, 2019;Vanya et al, 2017) or via accounts of app content by participants (Hamper, 2020;Levy & Romo-Aviles, 2019). Simplified descriptions were also present in records where the focus of the study was to evaluate the functions of apps rather than to evaluate information, as in Lee and Kim (2019) which provided a report of capabilities of two apps in reference to people with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and/or dysmenorrhoea, or the market-testing of the uptake of a family planning app (Haile et al, 2018).…”

“…Twelve studies (44%) were from the USA, which has a predominantly (76%) white population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019), and race is reported in only seven (26%) records. Additionally, participants assigned female at birth, but not identifying as female were reported in only one study (Levy & Romo-Aviles, 2019), with all other human studies assuming cis-gender. The gendered content of apps in evaluation studies is discussed in Eschler et al (2019), noting that of the 17 apps evaluated, all conflated sex with gender.…”

High School Girls and Smartphone Applications to Track Menstrual Cycle

“…For this reason, use of apps to track menstrual cycle allows girls and young women to better understand their body and accept their menstrual cycle as a sign of healthy functioning (10). Accounts of females who use menstrual cycle tracking apps suggest that the data provided by the apps help to prepare for the upcoming menstruation, learn about the body and period, follow-up their health status and manage fertility (11).…”