A micro-computer software for the analysis of menstrual diaries: the menstrual diary system

Abstract

A microcomputer software was developed to analyse menstrual diaries following the reference period method as described in the article "The analysis of vaginal bleeding patterns induced by fertility regulating methods" published in this journal (Contraception, 34:253-260, 1986). The programme allows the analysis of groups of diaries selected according to subjects' characteristics recorded at commencement of the diary. It also offers flexibility in selecting options of analysis within the reference period method. The output can be presented graphically as Box-whisker plots. A tutorial is included in the package.

PIP: A microcomputer software program called the Menstrual Diary System (MDS) is described which analyzes menstrual diaries by the reference period method, according to WHO guidelines. An IBM compatible microcomputer with floppy or hard disk, at least 256K of memory, and an MS-DOS 2.0 or later operating system is used. Menstrual data consist of entries labeling vaginal bleeding as absent, bleeding or spotting. There are optional parameters for the drive, path, and printer used by the system; user-defined symbols for bleeding patterns; screen characteristics; file management by date and length of data collection (maximum 380 days); and subject identifying information. A data management section permits data entry. The data analysis section follows the reference period method, allowing for within-subject analysis and between-subject analysis. Diary data entered in MDS can be transferred onto standard ASCII file to be used by other packages. Examples of output are provided.