Menstrual Health App (MenstruatieGezondheidsApp) study
Great to hear that you’re interested! With the Ruby app you can learn more about your own menstrual cycle. You also help with research into menstruation and menstrual complaints in youth.
You can take part even if you do not have any menstrual complaints!
This study is carried out by the Department of Gynaecology of Amsterdam UMC.
Do you have any questions? Please contact researcher Esther Domenie at MGA-studie@amsterdamumc.nl or 06-23997219.
Why is this study important?
Many young people have complaints related to their period (menstruation). Sometimes the complaints are so bad that going to school, working or meeting up with friends is not possible. To be able to understand your menstrual cycle and menstruation (and menstrual complaints) better, researchers at Amsterdam UMC have developed a menstrual app. We want to investigate whether using this menstrual app for at least 3 months helps to reduce menstrual complaints in youth. Even if you do not have any menstrual complaints, you can take part in the study.
How does taking part work?
For this study participants are randomly divided into two groups.
- App group: uses the app straight away.
- Non-app group: may use the app after 6 months.
What if you are in the app group?
If you are in the app group, we ask you to do two things:
- Fill in an online questionnaire at the start and after 6, 12 and 24 months. This takes 10 to 20 minutes each time.
- Use the app every day, for at least 3 months. In the app you can record whether you have menstrual complaints, like abdominal pain or blood loss, or no complaints at all. This takes about 30 seconds each day. You may also keep using the app after the first 3 months.
What if you are in the non-app group?
If you are in the non-app group, we ask you to do one thing:
- Fill in an online questionnaire at the start and after 6, 12 and 24 months. This takes 10 to 20 minutes each time. You may use the app after 6 months.
The study takes place entirely online, you do not need to come to Amsterdam UMC!
You receive a gift voucher worth €50 for taking part.
You receive this after using the app (app group) and filling in the questionnaire at 6 months.
Who can take part?
You can take part if you:
- are between 12 and 22 years old
- have started having periods
- have a smartphone / can use a smartphone every day
You cannot take part if you:
- are pregnant
- use the pill continuously (without a stop week or stop days)
- are being treated for menstrual complaints by a doctor or GP
You receive a gift voucher worth €50 for taking part.
You receive this after using the app (app group) and filling in the questionnaire at 6 months.