Working women's perceptions and expectations of digital health tools for personal health management: A qualitative study.

Abstract

Aim: This study examined the health challenges experienced by women in physically and mentally demanding occupations, including healthcare, shift work, night work and education. It explored their digital health technology use and expectations for future advancements to support their well-being.

Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 full-time working women aged 20 to 64 years, employed in occupations including baking (manufacturing), long-distance truck driving (transportation), cabin crew (aviation), nursing and midwifery (healthcare), teaching (education) and local-level politics. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected via Zoom between June and August 2024. Content analysis identified key themes related to health issues, workplace barriers, use of digital health tools and desired features of future technologies.

Results: Participants reported physical and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation and hormonal changes, often worsened by inadequate workplace support. Despite widespread interest in digital health tools such as smartwatches and menstrual tracking apps, adoption was limited due to workplace restrictions, data security concerns, usability challenges and app fatigue. Desired features included simplicity, personalisation and seamless integration into daily routines. Participants emphasised that effective digital health technologies must be accompanied by organisational support and inclusive workplace policies.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the urgent need for digital health solutions tailored to the realities of diverse working environments. By incorporating users' lived experiences, particularly from underrepresented occupational sectors, this study offers practical insights into the structural and functional requirements for successful adoption. Collaboration between developers, employers, and policymakers is essential to deliver equitable, secure, and effective digital health support for working women.