The Use and Efficiency of Mobile Applications in the Monitoring and Management of Menstrual Cycle in University Students in Reproductive Age

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to examine the use and effectiveness of mobile applications in the monitoring and management of menstrual cycle in university students of reproductive age. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 502 female reproductive age students studying at Trakya University Faculty of Health Sciences between January and March 2023. The research data were collected with the "Survey Form" created by the researchers by examining the literature. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test analysis methods were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: It was determined that the mean age of reproductive age female university students was 20.82±1.93, and 66.3% of them were studying in the nursing department. 67.5% of the students use mobile application in monitoring and management of the menstrual cycle, 88.5% of the mobile application users use it because it facilitates the follow-up of the menstrual cycle, 62.8% find the mobile application useful and 55.3% use the mobile application. While 59.9% of the students using mobile application for tracking and monitoring the menstrual cycle stated physical and emotional symptoms in the mobile application, 57.2% did not record the factors affecting the menstrual cycle and 64.3% did not record the methods they used to cope with menstrual cycle symptoms in the mobile application. determined. It was determined that students who use mobile applications in monitoring and management of menstrual cycle know and follow more premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cycle and are aware of ovulation and fertility periods than students who do not use it (p <.05). Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that female university students of reproductive age who use mobile applications have higher awareness of menstrual cycle and ovulation.