The effect of symptom-tracking apps on symptom reporting

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Women's Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Health apps, particularly those for symptom tracking, are increasingly popular globally.
• Previous research indicates that symptom tracking can lead to increased symptom reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a menstrual-monitoring app with a symptom-tracking feature increases symptom reporting compared to an app without this feature or no app.
• To determine if symptom tracking in menstrual apps affects period-specific symptoms versus general symptoms.

Main Methods:

• An experimental study involving 91 participants randomly assigned to three groups: menstrual-monitoring app with symptom tracker, calendar app, or no app.
• Symptom reporting (period-related and general) was assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 4 months.
• The proportion of high symptom reporters was analyzed over time.

Main Results:

• Participants using the symptom-tracking app reported significantly more period-related symptoms at 4 months compared to the calendar app group.
• A higher proportion of participants in the symptom-tracking group became high period symptom reporters (70%) compared to baseline (50%).
• No significant differences in general symptom reporting were observed across the three groups.

Conclusions:

• Menstrual-monitoring apps with symptom trackers may enhance the reporting of period-specific symptoms.
• The observed increase in symptom reporting appears specific to menstrual symptoms and does not generalize to broader symptom reporting.
• Further research is recommended to explore the impact on daily functioning and health anxiety.