Smartphone Applications for Period Tracking: Rating and Behavioral Change among Women Users
Joint Authors
Alzoubi, Karem H.
Karasneh, Reema A.
Al-Azzam, Sayer I.
Muflih, Suhaib M.
Hawamdeh, Sahar S.
Source
Obstetrics and Gynecology International
Issue
Vol. 2020, Issue 2020 (31 Dec. 2020), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2020-09-01
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
The use of mobile apps for health and well-being has grown exponentially in the last decade, as such apps were reported to be ideal platforms for behavioral change and symptoms monitoring and management.
Objective.
This study aimed to systematically review period tracking applications available at Google Play and Apple App Stores and determine the presence, features, and quality of these smartphone apps.
In addition, behavioral changes associated with the top 5 rated apps were assessed.
Methods.
This study used the Systematic Search Criteria through Google Play Store and iTunes Apple Store, using terms related to period tracking.
Apps were scanned for matching the inclusion criteria and the included apps were assessed by two reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), a tool that was developed for classifying and assessing the quality of mHealth apps.
Results.
Forty-nine apps met the inclusion criteria.
Most of the apps enabled setting user goals, motivations, and interactivity, tracking multiple symptoms or mood changes, allowed notifications, and used graphs to illustrate the tracking result over a specific period of time.
The majority of features and functions within these apps were offered for free, while some apps included limited in-app purchases or needed Internet connection to function.
Certain apps were reported by participants to promote behavioral change and increase knowledge and awareness regarding monthly periods.
Conclusions.
Period tracking apps were easy to use and navigate and can hence be readily adopted into routine tracking and management of periods.
However, most apps were not based on significant evidence and may need further development to support period-related symptom management.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Karasneh, Reema A.& Al-Azzam, Sayer I.& Alzoubi, Karem H.& Muflih, Suhaib M.& Hawamdeh, Sahar S.. 2020. Smartphone Applications for Period Tracking: Rating and Behavioral Change among Women Users. Obstetrics and Gynecology International،Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203294
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Karasneh, Reema A.…[et al.]. Smartphone Applications for Period Tracking: Rating and Behavioral Change among Women Users. Obstetrics and Gynecology International No. 2020 (2020), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203294
American Medical Association (AMA)
Karasneh, Reema A.& Al-Azzam, Sayer I.& Alzoubi, Karem H.& Muflih, Suhaib M.& Hawamdeh, Sahar S.. Smartphone Applications for Period Tracking: Rating and Behavioral Change among Women Users. Obstetrics and Gynecology International. 2020. Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203294
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1203294