TY - JOUR

T1 - “This App Just Gets Me”

T2 - Assessing the Quality, Features and User Reviews of Menopause Smartphone Apps

AU - Sillence, Elizabeth

AU - Hardy, Claire

AU - Kemp, Emma

PY - 2023/6/30

Y1 - 2023/6/30

N2 - Mobile health (mHealth) apps are becoming a popular digital resource and in the last few years menopause smartphone apps have become more popular. While these apps often contain little healthcare professional (HCP) input or evidence-based information less is known about the specific features of the apps and whether users find the apps helpful in relation to their menopause experience. We conducted a quality, feature and written review analysis of 18 menopause apps. We assessed the overall quality of the apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MAR), identified features including tracking, data visualization and community elements and undertook a thematic analysis of the written reviews. The analysis showed that app quality was variable and features ranged from simple trackers to community elements, audio guides and personalized content. Reviews of apps were overwhelmingly positive in nature and the thematic analysis highlighted four themes: “empowering functions”, “I’m not alone,” “function wish list,” and “usability and privacy.” The apps encouraged self-reflection and built confidence around menopause discussions, especially with HCPs, while the community features encouraged a sense of togetherness. Additional, tailored functionality, alongside ease of use remains important to users. Menopause apps currently available on the market vary in terms of their quality and features but reviews indicate they are generally perceived as positive. Apps may have a role to play in supporting women’s menopause experience and further consideration of their role in relation to HCP consultations is required.

AB - Mobile health (mHealth) apps are becoming a popular digital resource and in the last few years menopause smartphone apps have become more popular. While these apps often contain little healthcare professional (HCP) input or evidence-based information less is known about the specific features of the apps and whether users find the apps helpful in relation to their menopause experience. We conducted a quality, feature and written review analysis of 18 menopause apps. We assessed the overall quality of the apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MAR), identified features including tracking, data visualization and community elements and undertook a thematic analysis of the written reviews. The analysis showed that app quality was variable and features ranged from simple trackers to community elements, audio guides and personalized content. Reviews of apps were overwhelmingly positive in nature and the thematic analysis highlighted four themes: “empowering functions”, “I’m not alone,” “function wish list,” and “usability and privacy.” The apps encouraged self-reflection and built confidence around menopause discussions, especially with HCPs, while the community features encouraged a sense of togetherness. Additional, tailored functionality, alongside ease of use remains important to users. Menopause apps currently available on the market vary in terms of their quality and features but reviews indicate they are generally perceived as positive. Apps may have a role to play in supporting women’s menopause experience and further consideration of their role in relation to HCP consultations is required.

KW - Features

KW - menopause

KW - mHealth

KW - mobile app rating scale

KW - quality

KW - reviews

KW - smartphone apps

KW - women's health

U2 - 10.1080/15398285.2023.2204287

DO - 10.1080/15398285.2023.2204287

M3 - Journal article

VL - 27

SP - 156

EP - 172

JO - Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet

JF - Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet

SN - 1539-8285

IS - 2

ER -