mHealth and its application in menstrual related issues: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this research was to evaluate how menstrual tracking applications can promote gynaecological health.

Materials and methods

We performed a systematic review in Medline and Scopus, for papers evaluating menstrual tracking mobile applications. We excluded review articles and those not written in English.

Results

We identified 14 articles measuring the outcome resulting from the use of a single Fertility Tracking Application (FTA). Eight studies evaluated 2 different applications used as a contraception method. One study assessed a fecundity enhancing application. Five studies referred to applications, used to treat or monitor various gynaecologic issues. All studies reported efficacy for their intended use or a high satisfaction rate.

Discussion

There is a plethora of FTAs, however a minority of them are appraised by medical experts. Several safety and privacy concerns have been expressed regarding their use and these issues should be addressed in the future. All studies identified in our search demonstrated that FTAs can facilitate users in terms of contraception, fertility, and menstrual awareness.

Conclusion

Menstrual tracking applications can serve as a valuable health tool, nevertheless, their content should be more vigorously evaluated.

移动健康及其在月经相关问题上的应用：一项系统综述 摘要

目的:本研究目的是评估月经追踪应用程序如何促进妇科健康。

材料和方法:我们在Medline和Scopus上对评估月经追踪手机应用程序的文献进行了系统综述。我们排除了综述和那些不是用英语写的文章。

结果:我们纳入了14篇衡量应用单一生育相关跟踪应用(FTA)作用效果的文献。8项研究评估了2种不同的避孕方法。1项研究评估了促进生育的应用。5项研究涉及用于治疗或监测各种妇科问题的应用。所有研究都报告了其预期应用的有效性及高满意率。

讨论:FTA的数量过多, 但医学专家对其中的一小部分进行了评价。人们表达了一些对于应用安全和隐私方面的担忧, 这些问题应在未来得到解决。我们搜索纳入的所有研究都表明, FTA可以在避孕、生育和月经意识方面为用户提供便利。

结论:月经追踪应用可以作为一种有价值的健康工具, 但其内容应得到更积极评价。

Keywords:

• mHealth
• mobile
• application
• fertility
• contraception
• menstruation

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.