Menstrual cycle health is a significant health endpoint and a risk factor for the well-being of individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). A considerable proportion of menstruating individuals suffer from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (8-13%), endometriosis (10%), and severe menstrual pain (10%) [1,6,7], which can hinder daily activities. Additionally, irregularities in cycle length and regularity are associated with hormonal imbalances, gynecological diseases, infections, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as ovarian or breast cancer, mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia [4].

Scope of the thesis

Digital biomarkers, which involve measuring, collecting, and storing behavioral and physiological data through sensors and digital devices (e.g., HRV, HR, respiratory rate, basal body temperature, ECG) [3], are crucial for the detection, monitoring, and management of diseases, contributing significantly to precision medicine [5]. This thesis will involve conducting a comprehensive systematic literature review on digital biomarkers related to menstrual health. The aim is to synthesize existing research and identify key trends, challenges, and future directions in this field.

Major tasks include, but are not limited to

• Conduct a thorough review and synthesis of relevant literature
• Develop a clear research question, approach, and hypotheses
• Perform a systematic literature review following the
  Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and
  Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines [2]

We offer

Embarking on a thesis journey with us should be a mutually rewarding and engaging experience. We always work in interdisciplinary teams, and you’ll be closely supervised by your supervisors. And if you excel in your work, we will try to get your research published in leading journals! You will be part of the Centre for Digital Health Interventions (CDHI) and the Biomedical Data Science Lab (BMDS), ETH.

Requirements

We seek a self-driven and intrinsically motivated student with a background in health sciences, technology, or a related field. Experience with systematic or scoping literature reviews is a plus. An overarching interest in digital healthcare and women’s health is essential.

Start: Anytime, as soon as possible
Methodology: Scoping review
Duration: 6 months (or to be discussed)

Interested students are invited to send an email with their CV and transcript of records to Davinny Sou.

[See also our other thesis offerings.]

References

[1] Jin Pyo Hong, Subin Park, Hee-Ryung Wang, Sung Man Chang, Jee Hoon Sohn, Hong Jin Jeon, Hae Woo Lee, Seong-Jin Cho, Byung-Soo Kim, Jae Nam Bae, and Maeng Je Cho. 2012. Prevalence, correlates, comorbidities, and suicidal tendencies of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a nationwide sample of Korean women. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 47, 12: 1937–1945. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0509-6

[2] Joanne McKenzie and Matthew Page. 2020. PRISMA. Retrieved June 18, 2024 from https://www.prisma-statement.org/

[3] Hossein Motahari-Nezhad, Meriem Fgaier, Mohamed Mahdi Abid, Márta Péntek, László Gulácsi, and Zsombor Zrubka. 2022. Digital Biomarker– Based Studies: Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews. JMIR mHealth and uHealth 10, 10: e35722. https://doi.org/10.2196/35722

[4] Nature Reviews Bioengineering. 2023. It’s about time to focus on women’s health. Nature Reviews Bioengineering 1, 6: 379–379. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-023-00081-1

[5] Dylan Powell. 2024. Walk, talk, think, see and feel: harnessing the power of digital biomarkers in healthcare. npj Digital Medicine 7, 1: 45. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-024-01023-w

[6] World Health Organization (WHO). 2023. Endometriosis. Retrieved June 18, 2024 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

[7] World Health Organization (WHO). 2023. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Retrieved June 18, 2024 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome