Background: The Chinese government introduced the maternal health services as part of the Basic Public Health Service (BPHS) project in 2009. While China has made progress in reducing maternal mortality, the longitudinal association between the utilization rate of the maternal health services of the BPHS project and such reduction was rarely evaluated with robust methods. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study on the maternal health service utilization rates of the BPHS project and the maternal mortality ratios (MMR) in mainland China and its 31 provincial regions. The data were extracted from the National Health Statistic Yearbooks (2009–2016). Panel data models were used to evaluate the association between the utilization rate and the MMR after adjusting for available covariates on healthcare resources. Stepwise regression models were used to gauge the direction and magnitude of omitted variable bias. Results: It was found that the service utilization rate increased from 79.24% in 2009 to 91.67% in 2016, while MMR decreased from 30.90 to 17.88 per 100,000 livebirths at the national level. The results of the fixed effects panel data model revealed that the utilization rate was associated with MMR deduction continuously. With every 1% increase in utilization rate, the maternal death would decrease by 0.35 per 100,000 livebirths after having the health resources variables adjusted. Conclusions: The utilization of maternal health services increased continuously after the introduction of BPHS project in 2009 and MMR went downward from then on. The utilization of maternal health services did have significant association with MMR and could reduce MMR effectively. Such improvement could be attributed to the fact that this program was designed to serve the targeted population throughout the continuum of maternal care and the government’s rigorous efforts in stressing equality and standard care in program implementation.

To explore the acceptability and feasibility of public square dancing among community residents with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depressive symptoms. This mixed-method study consisted of a quantitative and a qualitative phase. From January to July 2018, a total of 241 community-dwelling senior citizens who complained of memory loss in one community in the Haidian District in Beijing were approached and screened, and 41 qualified for the study. Among them, 35 senior citizens participated in the public square dancing intervention. By the end of the three-month follow-up, 31 senior citizens completed the whole study. The Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES) was used to survey senior citizens at the end of the three-month public square dancing intervention and follow-up to measure the participants’ subjective exercise experience. Then 15 senior citizens were interviewed to collect attitudes, opinions, and suggestions related to the intervention. During the intervention, 90.6% of senior citizens met the requirement for defined hours. All senior citizens continued to dance at the three-month follow-up, and 32.3% met the requirement for defined hours. The scores of psychological well-being (11.03 ± 2.82 vs. 14.87 ± 3.93, P < 0.001) and fatigue (11.00 [8.00, 12.00] vs. 14.00 [9.00, 18.00], P < 0.001) increased at the end of the three-month follow-up. Qualitative research results extracted four major themes: increased confidence and a sense of accomplishment; easy to learn, close to real life, and sense of belonging; promotes physical and mental health; future expectations include music selection, reduced weather disruption, and self-organizing workouts. Public square dancing proved to be an acceptable, viable, and valuable intervention for MCI residents with depressive symptoms, which could be carried out by nursing staff in the community. Future studies should consider the appropriate population, intensity, and frequency of public square dancing and its effect on specific cognitive functions.

This qualitative study aims to explore the sexual experiences of female partners of Chinese prostate cancer (PCa) survivors, with a focus on understanding how cultural norms, knowledge gaps, and psychological burdens shape their intimate relationships post-treatment. This qualitative descriptive study utilized semi-structured interviews to explore the sexual experiences of 16 female partners of Chinese PCa survivors. Participants were purposively recruited from Peking University First Hospital between December 2021 and June 2022. Interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method to ensure comprehensive interpretation of participants' lived experiences. Data saturation was achieved after the 16th interview, and rigor was ensured via peer debriefing and iterative discussions among researchers. The study identified four major themes and 12 subthemes: (1) “Unspeakable” under the Influence of Chinese Traditional Culture Background: Cultural Taboo Hindering Communication, Sensitivity and Caution in Conversations, Discomfort in Expressing Sexual Experiences. (2) Redefinition of Intimacy and Sex: Strengthened Emotional Bonds, shift in Understanding of Intimacy, Exploration of Alternative Sexual Activities. (3) Lack of Sexual Knowledge Leads to Mistakes and Avoidance: Unmet Needs for Sexual Health Education, Nurses' Neglect of Sexual Health Problems, Harmful Consequences of Misguided Practices. (4) A Vicious Cycle of Psychological Burden Caused by Sex: Disappointment and Guilt from Failed Sexual Attempts, Sexual Dysfunction Leading to Relationship Stress, Concerns about Health Impact Exacerbating Stress. Addressing the sexual health concerns of PCa survivors and their partners is crucial for holistic post-treatment care. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions to support sexual health in this population. Healthcare providers should consider the cultural context when discussing sexual health issues and provide culturally sensitive counseling. Comprehensive sexual rehabilitation requires not only symptom management but also timely and effective information support and sexual counseling.

To explore the lived experiences and core structures of stigma among young and middle-aged Chinese testicular cancer (TC) survivors using a phenomenological approach. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted with 15 TC survivors aged 18–45 years, purposively recruited from a tertiary hospital in Beijing. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, with data collection continuing until thematic saturation was reached. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method to extract significant statements, formulate meanings, and generate themes. Four overarching themes and 11 subthemes emerged, situated within a social–ecological framework. (1) Internalized and Embodied Stigma (Individual Level): Shame-driven self-blame, hypervigilance toward bodily changes, and intergenerational transmission of stigma. (2) Relational Diplomacy and “Face” Management (Interpersonal Level): The ambivalence of family secrecy, strategic management of social capital, and contraction of social networks. (3) System-Driven Stigma (Community/Institutional Level): Cultural moralization of illness, clinical interactions inadvertently reinforcing stigma, and structural discrimination or neglect. (4) Confucian Ideology of the Body (Societal/Cultural Level): Moral weight of perceived lineage disruption and cultural expectations of bodily integrity. Stigma among young and middle-aged Chinese TC survivors is pervasive and shaped by the interplay of biological vulnerability, Confucian moral values, and institutional structures. A comprehensive, culturally grounded, multi-level stigma-reduction strategy—spanning the individual, family, community, and health care system—is urgently needed to support psychosocial adaptation and improve survivorship outcomes.