Johanna Levy|Nuria Romo Avilés
“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
Universidad de Granada|Universidad de Granada
menstrual apps facilitate observation analysis menstrual cycles associated factors collection interpretation data entered users subgroup healthrelated apps menstrual apps form part one dynamic rapidly growing developments biomedicine health care however despite popularity qualitative research people engaging periodtracking use experience apps remains scarcebetween june 2016 march 2017 conducted 26 qualitative interviews menstrual app users living austria spain participants asked practices experiences regarding appsupported menstrual tracking interviews audio recorded transcribed verbatim coded using software nvivoan inductive content analysis performed eight characteristics appsupported menstrual tracking identified 1 tracking menstrual cycle dates regularities 2 preparing upcoming periods 3 getting know menstrual cycles bodies 4 verifying menstrual experiences sensations 5 informing healthcare professionals 6 tracking health 7 contraception seeking pregnancy 8 changes tracking study finds periodtracking via apps potential empowering practice helps users aware menstrual cycles health gain new knowledge however also show menstrual tracking negative consequences leads distress cases privacy issues work requires result cessation finally present practical implications healthcare providers app developersthis qualitative study gives insight users practices experiences appsupported menstrual tracking results provide information researchers health care providers app designers implications appsupported periodtracking describe opportunities patientdoctor interactions well development menstrual apps