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Cited by 185Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsMenstrual Health and DisordersReproductive Health and Contraception

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 16 of the 16 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Evaluation of Smartphone Menstrual Cycle Tracking Applications Using an Adapted APPLICATIONS Scoring System

Moglia, Michelle L., Nguyen, Henry V., Chyjek, Kathy, Chen, Katherine T., Castaño, Paula M.·2016·Obstetrics & Gynecology
DOI 10.1097/aog.0000000000001444
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify smartphone menstrual cycle tracking applications (apps) and evaluate their accuracy, features, and functionality. METHODS: In this systematic evaluation, we searched the Apple iTunes store for free menstrual cycle tracking apps for patient use. We considered an application accurate if menstrual cycle predictions were based on average cycle lengths of at least three previous cycles, ovulation (when included) was predicted at 13-15 days before the start of the next cycle, and the application contained no misinformation. We modified the APPLICATIONS Scoring System to evaluate the features and functionality of accurate apps. RESULTS: Our search criteria yielded 1,116 apps; 108 remained after excluding duplicate, non-English, nonmenstrual cycle tracking, and priced apps. We further eliminated 88 that did not meet inclusion or accuracy criteria. Of the 20 accurate, free apps, 80% contained information for conception and 50% for contraception. Common features and functionality included password protection (55%); no requirement for Internet connectivity (80%); no advertisements (65%); in-application technical support (70%); medical disclaimers (65%); health education (55%); tracking of menstrual flow (70%), symptoms (70%), and intercourse (75%); alerts for next menses (65%) and fertility (55%); and cycle length information (75%). Forty percent were available for Android. Usefulness for fertility medications (15%), professional involvement (5%), and cited literature (5%) were rare. CONCLUSION: Most free smartphone menstrual cycle tracking apps for patient use are inaccurate. Few cite medical literature or health professional involvement. We list accurate apps to aid health care providers in understanding the key components they can use to evaluate and recommend apps for patients.

Overview

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1097/aog.0000000000001444

Cites

16 of 16 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Citations

Cites

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. 2015, Committee Opinion No. 651. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists., Obstet Gynecol, 126, e143

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Related

Metadata

Authors
Moglia, M. L., Nguyen, H. V., Chyjek, K., Chen, K. T., & Castaño, P. M.
Affiliations
Columbia University Irving Medical Center (US)
ORCID
Venue
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published
2016-06
Volume
127
Issue
6
Pages
1153-1160
ISSN
0029-7844 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1097/aog.0000000000001444
OpenAlex
W2358427619
Cited by
185
References
16
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 31 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3
FWCI
24.80
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Menstrual Health and Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Reproductive Health and Contraception
Keywords
menstrual cycle tracking apps, mobile application, ovulation prediction, fertility monitoring, menstrual cycle prediction, free apps, fertility awareness
MeSH terms
Smartphone, Female, Humans, Menstrual Cycle, Predictive Value of Tests, Natural Family Planning Methods, Women's Health, Mobile Applications

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