The transformative effect of the let's talk intervention on parenting styles : experiences of female caregivers from Soweto, South Africa

Abstract

Gendered social protection interventions such as Let’s Talk are now appreciated as a significant component of family-based HIV prevention services. The intervention deliberately focuses on bridging the caregiver–adolescent relational and communication divides in the context of HIV prevention. This qualitative study used interviews to explore the caregivers’ parenting experiences after attending the Let’s Talk programme in Soweto, South Africa. Simple random sampling was used to select four Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). Twelve caregivers were purposively sampled from the four CBOs. Data analysis was accomplished through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Let’s Talk had positive transformative effects on the caregivers’ parenting experiences and relational dynamics with adolescents. The improved parenting experiences were characterised by better communication, mutual respect and observed behaviour improvements by adolescents. In conclusion, caregivers’ reports of improved parenting experiences provide empirical evidence of acceptability to participants, effective implementation, and Let’s Talk’s efficacy in facilitating desired outcomes.