Preprint Article Version 2 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Menstrual Attitudes in the U.S. and China: Insights from Mobile Menstrual Tracking Applications for Teenagers

Version 1 : Received: 28 March 2023 / Approved: 28 March 2023 / Online: 28 March 2023 (05:37:49 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 30 March 2023 / Approved: 30 March 2023 / Online: 30 March 2023 (03:33:26 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Peng, S.; Yang, Y.; Haselton, M.G. Menstrual Symptoms: Insights from Mobile Menstrual Tracking Applications for English and Chinese Teenagers. Adolescents 2023, 3, 394-403. Peng, S.; Yang, Y.; Haselton, M.G. Menstrual Symptoms: Insights from Mobile Menstrual Tracking Applications for English and Chinese Teenagers. Adolescents 2023, 3, 394-403.

Abstract

Mobile software applications (apps) have transformed how individuals oversee and maintain their own health. One way that girls can monitor their menstrual cycles is through the increasingly widespread use of mobile menstrual tracking apps. This study aims to examine menstrual symptom tracking for adolescents in English and Chinese apps, exploring menstrual literacy, cross-cultural differences, and framing, or presentation, of symptoms. The mixed methods content analysis involved 15 popular free menstrual tracking apps in English (n = 8) and Chinese (n = 7). Quantitative analysis of qualitative data was conducted through manual coding of content and automatically analyzing sentiment, or emotional tone, using a computational approach. We found that: (1) Menstrual literacy on symptom management or treatment was generally insufficient, (2) There were more available emotional than physical symptoms in English than Chinese apps, (3) Symptoms were framed more negatively than positively, somewhat more in Chinese than English apps. Findings emphasize the importance of improving information in digital menstrual trackers. Our findings further reflect cultural differences in emotional expression and negative attitudes toward menstruation. Since adolescence is a critical developmental stage that requires ample support, digital menstrual trackers can uniquely shape attitudes and experiences, ultimately, empowering teenagers to better manage their menstrual health.

Keywords

adolescents; menstruation; sexual and reproductive health; informatics; mobile health

Subject

Social Sciences, Political Science

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 30 March 2023
Commenter: Sisi Peng
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: Author
Comment: I made edits to the Author Affiliations. Thank you.
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