A survey of women’s experiences of using period tracker applications: Attitudes, ovulation prediction and how the accuracy of the app in predicting period start dates affects their feelings and behaviours
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引用次数: 11
Abstract
Introduction: Using an online survey, the aim of this study was to ask women about their real-life experiences of using period tracker apps, their attitudes towards using their app, the information the app provided regarding ovulation and how the accuracy of the app in predicting period start dates affects their feelings and behaviours if their period comes earlier or later than predicted. Methods: This mixed-methods observational study was conducted by an online survey of 50 multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The survey was generated with Qualtrics XM® and promoted via social media. It was open to any person who had used a period tracker. Results: From 375 total responses, 330 complete responses were obtained, giving a completion rate of 88.0%. Respondents were aged between 14 and 54, with a mean age of 26.0 (±7.81). When asked what was the best thing about using the app, 29.7% (98/330) of respondents selected ‘To know when I’m ovulating’. Respondents were asked if their period ever started earlier than the app predicted; 54.9% (189/330) said it had and 72.1% (238/330) said it had started later than predicted. When asked how they felt if their period arrived earlier or later than expected, thematic analysis of periods starting earlier revealed four themes: feeling unaffected, being frustrated/unprepared, feeling anxious/stressed and feeling confused/intrigued. Thematic analysis when their period arrived later revealed six themes: anxious/concerned about pregnancy, disappointed about pregnancy, seeking advice/informing healthcare professionals, thoughts about menopause, feeling unaffected and being better prepared. Conclusion: Period trackers need to be clearer on their intended use and reliability, especially for period due date and ovulation. Qualitative analysis shows the impact of inaccurate predictions on aspects of the users’ health. This study calls for period tracker app companies to update their apps to provide transparency to their users about their intended use and capabilities.
期刊介绍:
For many diseases, women’s physiology and life-cycle hormonal changes demand important consideration when determining healthcare management options. Age- and gender-related factors can directly affect treatment outcomes, and differences between the clinical management of, say, an adolescent female and that in a pre- or postmenopausal patient may be either subtle or profound. At the same time, there are certain conditions that are far more prevalent in women than men, and these may require special attention. Furthermore, in an increasingly aged population in which women demonstrate a greater life-expectancy.