We are currently recruiting menstrual app developers, researchers, health professionals and advocates, to give their perspective on what is important to understand about menstrual apps and medical information. This study has been approved by the Otago University Human Ethics Committee, Reference Number D21/418.
To participate, please read the information below and then click through to the short online survey. This survey also has a separate page where you will be invited to provide your contact details if you’re interested in participating in a 90-minute online focus group.
INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
Thank you for showing an interest in this project. Please read this information sheet carefully before deciding whether or not to participate. If you decide to participate, we thank you. If you decide not to take part, there will be no disadvantage to you and we thank you for considering our request.
What is the Aim of the Project?
This research aims to understand how menstrual tracking apps offer medical information to their users. We want to uncover the risks of inaccuracy and unsuitability to unlock the potential for increasing equity in reproductive healthcare. The end goal of the overarching project is to develop practical guidelines and tools for using menstrual and reproductive health technologies to meet the wellbeing needs of Aotearoa New Zealand. The research is supported by a 2021 Health Delivery Research Activation Grant from the Health Research Council.
In this first step, our goal is to develop relationships with stakeholders. The aim of this step is to identify key priorities that need to be considered by app users, healthcare professionals, and app developers, including positives and potential advantages, as well as concerns and potential disadvantages
What Types of Participants are being sought?
We are seeking to involve groups, organisations, and individuals with an interest in menstrual apps, health technology, and/or menstrual health and wellbeing. Everyone aged 18 years and over who is interested is welcome to participate.
What will Participants be asked to do?
Should you agree to take part in this project, you will be asked to
Read this information sheet and give your consent
Fill out a brief online survey
And, if you are interested,
Participate in a 90-minute focus group to discuss ideas with up to 10 participants plus researchers/facilitators. This group session will be held online using Zoom.
If you would prefer, you may request an individual interview with one of the research team.
The focus group or interview will involve discussion around a series of open-ended questions. The general line of discussion will include opportunities and concerns about menstrual tracking apps and the health information they provide. The precise nature of the discussion will depend on the way in which the focus group develops. Consequently, although the School of Social Sciences is aware of the general areas to be explored in the interview, the Committee has not been able to review the precise questions to be used. In the event that the line of questioning develops in such a way that you feel hesitant or uncomfortable, you are reminded of your right to decline to answer any particular question(s).
The focus group will also include making online wordclouds and word lists on the website Slido (https://www.sli.do/). Anonymous, live responses will be shared with the focus group. You are not required to participate and any responses are optional.
What Data or Information will be collected and what use will be made of it?
We will be collecting your written responses to the online survey, and if you participate in the focus groups, we will be recording the group discussion and keeping copies of material produced by the groups, such as comments on Zoom and word lists produced in Slido. If you express an interest in further contact, we will keep your contact information as well.
The data collected will be securely stored in such a way that only the primary researchers and research assistants on this project will be able to gain access to it. Data obtained as a result of the research will be retained for at least 10 years in secure storage. Any personal information such audio or video recordings will be destroyed at the completion of the research even though the data derived from the research will, in most cases, be kept for much longer or possibly indefinitely. Your contact information will only be retained if you have requested to be on the list for receiving updates.
Information from the surveys and focus groups will be compiled and anonymised for use in setting priorities for the next stage of research. No material that could personally identify you will be used in any reports on this study. The results of this research may be published on the project website and in academic articles. Contact information will be used to keep you informed about the project and to invite you to any future opportunities for participation and feedback. You are free to withdraw your contact information at any time.
Can Participants change their mind and withdraw from the project?
Please be aware that you may decide not to take part in the project or any part of the project without any disadvantage to yourself. You may ask for specific responses to be removed from the survey and/or focus group transcripts, although individuals will not be able to be removed from focus group recordings once the focus groups have taken place. You may withdraw your contact information at any time.
What if Participants have any Questions?
If you have any questions about our project, either now or in the future, please feel free to contact:
Associate Professor Bryndl Hohmann-Marriott
School of Social Sciences
University of Otago
Bryndl.hohmann-marriott@otago.ac.nz
This study has been approved by the School stated above. However, if you have any concerns about the ethical conduct of the research you may contact the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee through the Human Ethics Committee Administrator (ph +643 479 8256 or email gary.witte@otago.ac.nz). Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated and you will be informed of the outcome.