Menstrual Cycle Management and Period Tracker App Use in Millennial and Generation Z Individuals: Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is a physical symptom that occurs in women of reproductive age. It has a significant impact on thedaily life and health of women when their academic and social activities are most active. Since many women experience difficultiesin daily life because of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, it is important to identify, prepare for, and manage the menstrualcycle in advance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between menstruation-related experiences and the use of mobile-basedperiod tracker apps by millennial and generation Z (gen Z) individuals. The objectives of this study are to investigate (1) menstrualcycle management, (2) factors affecting app usage (3) factors affecting cycle management, and (4) motivators and barriers tousing period tracker apps, in millennial and gen Z women. Methods: A mixed methods design was used for this study. The participants were young women aged 20-39 years and recruitedvia the Ovey application. Data were collected through surveys and focus group interviews. The survey was conducted among700 women, and 8 of them participated in the focus group interviews. Results: In total, 431 (62.3%) participants used period tracker apps primarily to predict their next menstrual cycle. Factorsaffecting app usage included childbirth experience (odds ratio [OR] 0.475, P<.05), number of dysmenorrhea symptoms (OR1.136, P<.05), and cycle management level (OR 2.279, P<.001). Additionally, education level (OR 1.122, P<.05 [university levelcompared high school level]) and the number of dysmenorrhea symptoms (OR 1.024, P<.05) showed a positive association withthe cycle management level. However, childbirth experience (OR 0.902, P<.05) and period irregularity (OR 0.929, P<.001) werenegatively associated with the cycle management level. Conclusions: Period tracker apps are becoming the new normal among millennials and gen Z individuals for managing theirmenstrual cycles. 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. Improving the accuracy and literacy of the app is an ongoingtask for period-tracking apps, and it is important to provide added value tailored to users&apos;needs. Therefore, the findings of thisstudy should be considered when designing or upgrading period tracker apps to facilitate the adoption of digital technology amongyoung women, thereby promoting their overall well-being and reproductive health.