ArticlePloS one2025
Mobile applications available in Saudi Arabia for the management of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A quality review and content analysis.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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9 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundPrimary dysmenorrhea (PD), common in women below 25 years, occurs as pain in the absence of any identifiable pelvic pathology. Menstrual tracking applications (MTAs) may help women manage their PD symptoms. No systematic assessment has been performed on MTA quality with respect to physical therapy management exercise.
objectivesThis study evaluated the quality of MTAs available in Saudi Arabia for mobile users in both the App Store and Google Play Store and assessed the quality and completeness of exercise regimens provided in these apps using the FITT principle as a guideline for managing PD symptoms.
methodsIn this cross-sectional study, apps were collected from the App Store and Google Play Store using two strategies for each store independently: Scraper and SimilarWeb. The app quality was evaluated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), and exercise content was evaluated based on the recommended Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type (FITT) principles.
resultsFinal evaluation included 16 apps, of which 87.5% required subscription. The mean app quality score ranged from 2.54 (worst-rated app) to 4.45 (best-rated app) with a mean score of 3.54 ± 0.58. In addition, only three apps provided all the FITT components in the exercise content.
conclusionThis study assessed the quality of exercise provided within these applications as interventions for managing PD symptoms. This evaluation contributes to the understanding of mobile health technologies for PD management in the region, and highlights areas for improvement in app development and content quality to better serve individuals with PD.
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