A new study by researchers in the UK and Denmark, published in Digital Health, provides the first publicly accessible analysis of global downloads for menstrual tracking apps, whilst urging policy makers to…
While the market for menstrual tracking apps is rapidly growing, there have been no large-scale analyses about why users download these apps, and particularly few studies on their use in the Global South.
Using data from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store between April and December 2021, the study shows that menstrual tracking apps are used worldwide, even in low-income countries, though usage is lower in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia, likely due to internet access and economic barriers. The authors note that most apps are designed with Western assumptions, which may limit their cultural relevance and effectiveness. This highlights the need for research into their impact on reproductive health, particularly in areas with limited health services.
These research questions connect to broader policy areas, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on women’s reproductive health and well-being, as well as their access to technology, resources and information.
As the study’s findings are limited by potential disparities in data availability and quality between regions, the researchers call for further research to track changes in app usage and its impact on reproductive health over time.
Lead author Dr Francesco Rampazzo, Lecturer in Demography at Oxford’s Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and Department of Sociology, said: ‘Our study highlights the potential of menstrual tracking apps to empower users in managing their reproductive health. By understanding the global trends and motivations behind app usage, we can better address the needs of diverse populations.’