Tulane program ‘Let’s Talk Digital’ provides scalable family planning intervention
A novel Tulane-led study published in AIDS Care evaluates “Let’s Talk Digital,” a first-of-its-kind hybrid intervention developed by Tulane researchers that combines live group sessions with mobile eLearning for adolescents and caregivers in South Africa -- the country with the world’s highest HIV burden. The intervention builds on Tulane’s earlier “Let’s Talk” program, which reached more than 220,000 families nationwide.
“Let’s Talk Digital” uses a family-centered approach to strengthen mental health, family relationships, communication, and positive parenting skills as a pathway to improved adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes. By improving how families connect and talk with one another, the program builds supportive environments that enable healthier decision-making and reduce risk.
The study found strong feasibility and engagement, underscoring the potential of digital approaches to extend program reach, strengthen implementation fidelity and sustain HIV-prevention and parenting support amid public health funding and workforce constraints.
"This study shows that even in rural communities and among families for whom English is not a first language, digital health interventions can be both feasible and effective."
— Dr. Tonya Thurman
“South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world, with adolescents—especially girls and young women—disproportionately affected,” said Dr. Tonya Thurman, principal investigator and associate professor in the Department of International Health and Sustainable Development at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. “National data show high HIV prevalence and rising teenage pregnancy rates alongside low HIV testing uptake. These intersecting risks make family-engaged sexual health interventions critically important.”
The study also identified broader developmental benefits, with participants gaining practical life skills.
“Modules include goal setting, navigating relationships safely, finding community support resources, and reinforcing positive behaviors together,” Thurman said. “Participants reported that what they learned supported deeper dialogue within families and gave them tools they’ll use long after the program ended.”
By documenting who engaged with the program, how they used it, and what they found valuable, the study provides an important foundation for larger impact trials and future scale-up. It also offers policymakers and funders preliminary evidence to support investment in family-centered digital approaches in resource-constrained settings.
“This study shows that even in rural communities and among families for whom English is not a first language, digital health interventions can be both feasible and effective. As funding for behavioral prevention tightens, hybrid models provide an important opportunity to sustain access to essential health education and family support at scale.”
