Date of Award
Fall 2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Computing
First Advisor
Ahamed, Sheikh I.
Second Advisor
Fehring, Richard J.
Third Advisor
Madiraju, Praveen
Abstract
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a method to help couples determine the fertile and infertile times of a woman’s menstrual cycle with natural indicators of fertility. NFP methods have advantages over other methods of family planning. Proper use of NFP methods also ensures high effectiveness (close to 98%) in helping couples avoid pregnancy. However, very few physicians prescribe NFP to their patients due to lack of credibility to the fertility methods and lack of access to NFP knowledge. The Marquette University College of Nursing Institute for Natural Family Planning has been researching for many years to increase knowledge and efficiency of NFP. Their proposed evidencebased Marquette Model (MM) for NFP already showed success as an internet based charting system. It is obvious to have an effective mHealth (mobile health) solution for NFP because of enormous growth of smart phones. We have designed and developed muFertility, a mHealth framework that follows the MM so that couples can chart the menstrual cycles. In this thesis, we have discussed the major human computer interface (HCI) and design issues. We also have also presented how user feedback cycle based approach can be used to incorporate user experiences in the development and deployment of a mHealth solution.