Feasibility and acceptability of Let’s Talk Digital, a blended learning family strengthening and sexual reproductive health intervention for adolescents and their caregivers in South Africa

This mixed-methods study examines the feasibility and acceptability of <i>Let's Talk Digital</i> (LTD), a hybrid digital adaptation of <i>Let's Talk</i>, a family-strengthening and sexual health program for adolescents and caregivers in South Africa. LTD uses a blended learning model combining seven in-person live sessions with 27 interactive smartphone-based eLearning modules tailored by audience. A total of 143 families (150 adolescents) were enrolled across rural and peri-urban Mpumalanga. Quantitative monitoring captured module completion and session attendance, while post-intervention surveys and in-depth interviews assessed usability, engagement, and perceived benefits. Among a predominantly female population, 86% of adolescents and 76% of caregivers completed most modules and attended at least five live sessions. Participants reported high usability, peer endorsement, and perceived benefits. Despite language, connectivity, and device challenges, comprehension and acceptability remained strong. Data-free access and incentives were critical enrollment drivers (averaging R845/$$47 per family pair), highlighting the importance of sustained public-private partnerships and government support. To our knowledge, this is the first study in sub-Saharan Africa of a digitally mediated, family-based adolescent sexual health intervention. Findings suggest LTD can promote intervention completion and deliver core skills to improve adolescent well-being in low-resource settings. Further research should assess efficacy, cost-effectiveness and scalable delivery models.