@misc{10481/61489,
year = {2019},
url = {http://hdl.handle.net/10481/61489},
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. 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.},
organization = {This research has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020
research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant
agreement No 675378.},
publisher = {Springer Nature},
keywords = {Menstrual apps},
keywords = {Period-tracking},
keywords = {Health-tracking},
keywords = {Qualitative study},
keywords = {Smartphone},
title = {“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},
doi = {10.1186/s12889-019-7549-8},
author = {Levy, Johanna and Romo Avilés, María Nuria},
}