An evidence-based mixed-methods randomized controlled trial of a WeChat sexual health intervention for older chinese women

This mixed-methods randomized controlled trial evaluated a culturally adapted WeChat sexual health interventionfor older Chinese women. A total of 205 women aged ≥60 years were randomized to a 21-day sexual healthintervention or healthy-aging control, with assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up.Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), quality of life using the WHOQOL-OLD,and qualitative interviews were conducted with 36 participants. No signifi cant between-group diff erences were foundin FSFI scores. In contrast, WHOQOL-OLD scores were signifi cantly higher in the intervention group at post-intervention and remained modestly higher at follow-up. Qualitative fi ndings indicated improvements in emotional comfort, .relational intimacy, self-acceptance, and confi dence in discussing sexual health. The fi ndings suggest thatculturally adapted digital sexual health interventions may enhance broader quality of life among older Chinesewomen even when measurable sexual function remains unchanged, supporting greater attention to relational andpsychosocial dimensions of later-life sexual health.