Menstrual Health in the Digital Age: A Qualitative Study of Motivations for Using Period-Tracking Apps by Women in Kashmir

Abstract

Health and well-being mobile applications, or mHealth apps, have gained popularity with the spread of smartphones and high-speed mobile internet in India. These apps are used for self-monitoring of health attributes, including tracking of fitness metrics, diet, sleep patterns, heart rate, and so on. Among these apps, period-tracking or menstrual-tracking apps have gained prominence for monitoring reproductive health. This paper explores the usage and experience of these period-tracking apps, such as Flo and Maya. It seeks to understand the motives for use of these apps and presents women’s perspectives on the role of such apps in their everyday lives. The study was conducted using qualitative face-to-face and telephone interviews with 30 women in the Kashmir region in India. The study observed that women linked the use of these apps to various motives: tracking menstruation, monitoring premenstrual syndrome, and detecting polycystic ovary syndrome. In using these apps, women became involved in digital practices that offered them a space to engage with the taboo topic of menstruation. They were able to effectively schedule their tasks according to their menstrual cycles, gaining an understanding of various symptoms and the option for further consultation with medical professionals. Understanding women’s goals and experiences with these apps, particularly in societies where menstruation is stigmatized, will aid in designing interventions and support systems to improve their menstrual health and overall well-being.