JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Menstruation is a physical symptom that occurs in women of reproductive age. It has a significant impact on the daily life and health of women when their academic and social activities are most active. Since many women experience difficulties in daily life because of PMS and dysmenorrhoea, it is important to identify, prepare for, and manage the menstrual cycle in advance.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between menstruation-related experiences and the use of mobile-based period tracker apps by Millennial and Gen Z individuals. The objectives of this study are to investigate (ⅰ) menstrual cycle management, (ⅱ) factors affecting app usage and cycle management, and (ⅲ) behaviors and thoughts regarding app, in Millennial and Gen Z women.

Methods:

A mixed-method design was employed for this study. The participants were young women aged 20-39 years and recruited via the Ovey online app. Panel data were collected through surveys and focus-group interviews. The survey was conducted among 700 women, and eight of them participated in the focus-group interviews.

Results:

Approximately 62.3% of the participants used period tracker apps primarily to predict their next menstrual cycle. Factors affecting app usage included childbirth experience (OR: 0.475, p<.05), number of dysmenorrhoea symptoms (OR: 1.136, p<.05), and cycle management level (OR: 2.279, p<.001). Additionally, education level (OR: 1.138, p<.05(University level compared high school level)) and number of dysmenorrhoea symptoms (OR: 1.024, p<.05) showed positive association with cycle management level. However, childbirth experience(OR: 0.906, p<.05) and period irregularity(OR: 0.929, p<.001)were negatively associated with cycle management level.

Conclusions:

period tracker apps are widely used among young women—Millenials and Gen Z,—in South Korea and play an important role in menstrual cycle management. Mixed-methods data analysis revealed important barriers and facilitators that may influence the ease of use and acceptability of period tracker apps. The use of a period tracker app empowers women by helping them gain a better understanding of their bodies, ultimately enhancing their social, academic, and health-related lives. Therefore, the findings of this study should be considered when designing or upgrading period tracker apps to facilitate the adoption of digital technology among young women, thereby promoting their overall well-being and reproductive health.