Tonya R Thurman
Biographic Data
| ID | 1738700 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Tonya R Thurman |
| GIVEN NAMES | Tonya R |
| FAMILY NAME | Thurman |
| SIGNATURE | THURMAN T R |
| AFFILIATIONS | Tulane University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3488-011X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 25 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 41 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 25 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2006 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
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
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…
Covid-19 pandemic stressors, familial discord, and anxiety among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) have poorer adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). This study investigates the interconnectivity of stressors induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and family dynamics on adolescents' adherence to ART. A telephone survey was conducted among 196 South African ALHIV previously enrolled in support groups. Generalized structural equations modeling was used to understand how pandemic-related stressors affe…
Latent class analysis of ART barriers among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa
This study examined adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa. Using survey data from 857 youth on ART, the study employed latent class analysis to identify subgroups based on self-reported reasons for missed ART doses. Three distinct classes emerged: the largest class (85%) occasionally forgot to take their medication or missed a dose because others were around, the second class …
Disclosure and Experiences of HIV-Related Stigma among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in South Africa
Social networks expand rapidly in adolescence, increasing HIV status disclosure considerations and concerns for young people living with HIV, especially in settings where HIV-related stigma is prevalent. This study examines HIV disclosure and enacted stigma among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa. This study uses survey data from a sample of 1186 youth living with HIV, aged 14-24, and enrolled in peer support groups led…
Condom use correlates among youth living with HIV in South Africa
Identifying factors associated with condom use can help inform the design of sexual reproductive health interventions for young people living with HIV. Data were collected from 294 sexually active youth in South Africa aged 14–24 years, living with HIV and aware of their status. Logistic regression found condom use was associated with partner status, disclosure, treatment adherence, knowledge, alcohol use, enacted stigma, and age at known status.…
Incentives matter
Engaging beneficiaries in family‐centred interventions is a well‐documented challenge. Programme engagement evidence is limited for low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study assessed the effect of incentives on participant engagement in a family‐centred HIV prevention programme among caregiver and adolescent groups in KwaZulu Natal. Incentive packages were randomly assigned by site, ranging from optimal (to address major structural barriers) t…
Pathways to sexual health communication between adolescent girls and their female caregivers participating in a structured HIV prevention intervention in South Africa
Findings overall suggest that a holistic intervention approach emphasizing caregiver-adolescent relationship development and designed to support the mental health of both parties may hold significant promise for enhancing sexual health communication
Can family-centered programing mitigate HIV risk factors among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents? Results from a pilot study in South Africa
Let's Talk is a structured, family-centered adolescent HIV prevention program developed for use in South Africa using key components adapted from programs successfully implemented in the US and South Africa. It is designed to address individual HIV transmission risk factors common among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents, including elevated risk for poor psychological health and sexual risk behavior. These efforts are accentuated through paralle…
What can social work do to mitigate caregiver-perpetrated physical aggression? A study among caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable female adolescents in South Africa
Many children in South Africa live outside of parental care due to orphanhood, parental labour migration, unemployment, and unstable formal partnerships. Few studies have examined risk factors for parent-to-child physical aggression (PCPA), a term encompassing varying severities of physically aggressive acts, among children residing outside of parental care. In this context prior custody preparation is uncommon,and alternative caregivers have bee…
Promoting uptake of child HIV testing
HIV counseling and testing (HCT) is critical for children in generalized epidemic settings, but significant shortfalls in coverage persist, notably among orphans and others at disproportionate risk of infection. This study investigates the impact of a home visiting program in South Africa on orphaned and vulnerable children's uptake of HCT. Using propensity score matching, survey data for children receiving home visits from trained community-base…
Psychological and behavioral interventions to reduce HIV risk
Evidence-based approaches are needed to address the high levels of sexual risk behavior and associated HIV infection among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents. This study recruited adolescents from a support program for HIV-affected families and randomly assigned them by cluster to receive one of the following: (1) a structured group-based behavioral health intervention; (2) interpersonal psychotherapy group sessions; (3) both interventions; or (…
Bridging the gap
Cash transfer programs hold significant potential to mitigate the economic burdens resulting from the HIV epidemic and enhance the wellbeing of affected children. South Africa offers two cash transfers designed specifically to benefit children: the Child Support Grant, for low income families with children, and the Foster Child Grant, for children living outside of parental care. Given the high proportion of HIV-affected children who qualify for …
Does investment in home visitors lead to better psychological health for HIV-affected families? Results from a quasi-experimental evaluation in South Africa
Children and families affected by HIV are at considerable risk for psychological distress. Community-based home visiting is a common mechanism for providing basic counseling and other services to HIV-affected families. While programs emphasize home visitor training and compensation as means to promote high-quality service delivery, whether these efforts result in measurable gains in beneficiaries' well-being remains largely unanswered. This study…
Family Functioning and Child Behavioral Problems in Households Affected by HIV and Aids in Kenya
Caregiver burden among adults caring for orphaned children in rural South Africa
The AIDS epidemic has created an unprecedented number of orphans. While largely absorbed by extended family, this additional responsibility can weigh heavily on their caregivers. The concept of caregiver burden captures multiple dimensions of well-being (e.g., physical, social and psychological). Measuring the extent and determinants of caregiving burden can inform the design of programmes to ease the negative consequences of caregiving. This stu…
Home visiting programs for HIV-affected families
Home visiting is a popular component of programs for HIV-affected children in sub-Saharan Africa, but its implementation varies widely. While some home visitors are lay volunteers, other programs invest in more highly trained paraprofessional staff. This paper describes a study investigating whether additional investment in paraprofessional staffing translated into higher quality service delivery in one program context. Beneficiary children and c…
Caring for the caregiver
HIV and AIDS have altered the context in which millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa are raised. Many are under the care of a widowed or ill parent, and others are residing with their extended family. Caregivers of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) face a variety of stressors that may adversely affect children. This study explores potential benefits of caregivers' membership in support groups on their own psychosocial wellbeing, an…
Evaluation of a case management program for HIV clients in Rwanda
Case management is a standard practice in the United States for the effective care of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA); however, application of this approach in developing countries has not been demonstrated. Although great advances have been made in Africa to increase PLHA's access to HIV services, care and support systems often remain fragmented. In September 2004, CARE International initiated a case management program in health facilitie…
Respondent-driven sampling
Sampling methods to study street children often rely on convenience approaches. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a relatively new methodology for sampling hard-to-reach populations utilizing peer-driven recruitment. It includes both field and analytical procedures to account for non-random recruitment patterns and generates statistically valid samples. This article describes RDS and assesses its effectiveness to recruit a diverse sample of str…
Impact of a mentoring program on psychosocial wellbeing of youth in Rwanda
Addressing the psychosocial needs of vulnerable children and youth is viewed increasingly as a priority of humanitarian programs, particularly in Africa, where the scale of the problem necessitates community-based solutions. This quasi-experimental study tested a model of adult mentorship and support to improve psychosocial outcomes among youth-headed households in a rural area of Rwanda. Two rounds of data were collected from youth who served as…
Barriers to the community support of orphans and vulnerable youth in Rwanda
Psychosocial support and marginalization of youth-headed households in Rwanda
This research aims to characterize the psychosocial aspects of well-being among youth-headed households (YHH) in Gikongoro, Rwanda, through examination of social support and marginalization. Data is presented on perceived availability of support from relatives, an unidentified adult, peers, and other community members and an index of social marginalization. A total of 692 interviews were completed with YHH age 13-24 who are beneficiaries of a bas…
Sexual Risk Behavior among South African Adolescents
Infants and young children living in youth‐headed households in Rwanda
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has already produced millions of orphans in Africa and the peak of the orphan epidemic has not yet been reached. One emerging social trend associated with premature parental death is the formation of households headed by youth aged 13–24. In Rwanda, specific sociocultural factors have supported the formation of youth‐headed households (YHH) in the wake of both the 1994 genocide and the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. There is no …
Sexual Violence in Lesotho
The magnitude and characteristics of sexual violence in two urban areas of Lesotho are described based on a random household survey of 939 sexually active women aged 18–35. Sexual violence is defined as nonconsensual sex ranging from the use of threats and intimidation to unwanted touching and forced sex. Twenty‐five percent of women surveyed reported ever being physically forced to have sex; 13 percent reported that forced sex was attempted; 31 …
Barriers to the community support of orphans and vulnerable youth in Rwanda
Caregiver burden among adults caring for orphaned children in rural South Africa
The AIDS epidemic has created an unprecedented number of orphans. While largely absorbed by extended family, this additional responsibility can weigh heavily on their caregivers. The concept of caregiver burden captures multiple dimensions of well-being (e.g., physical, social and psychological). Measuring the extent and determinants of caregiving burden can inform the design of programmes to ease the negative consequences of caregiving. This stu…
Infants and young children living in youth‐headed households in Rwanda
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has already produced millions of orphans in Africa and the peak of the orphan epidemic has not yet been reached. One emerging social trend associated with premature parental death is the formation of households headed by youth aged 13–24. In Rwanda, specific sociocultural factors have supported the formation of youth‐headed households (YHH) in the wake of both the 1994 genocide and the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. There is no …
Respondent-driven sampling
Sampling methods to study street children often rely on convenience approaches. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a relatively new methodology for sampling hard-to-reach populations utilizing peer-driven recruitment. It includes both field and analytical procedures to account for non-random recruitment patterns and generates statistically valid samples. This article describes RDS and assesses its effectiveness to recruit a diverse sample of str…
Pathways to sexual health communication between adolescent girls and their female caregivers participating in a structured HIV prevention intervention in South Africa
Findings overall suggest that a holistic intervention approach emphasizing caregiver-adolescent relationship development and designed to support the mental health of both parties may hold significant promise for enhancing sexual health communication
Home visiting programs for HIV-affected families
Home visiting is a popular component of programs for HIV-affected children in sub-Saharan Africa, but its implementation varies widely. While some home visitors are lay volunteers, other programs invest in more highly trained paraprofessional staff. This paper describes a study investigating whether additional investment in paraprofessional staffing translated into higher quality service delivery in one program context. Beneficiary children and c…
Impact of a mentoring program on psychosocial wellbeing of youth in Rwanda
Addressing the psychosocial needs of vulnerable children and youth is viewed increasingly as a priority of humanitarian programs, particularly in Africa, where the scale of the problem necessitates community-based solutions. This quasi-experimental study tested a model of adult mentorship and support to improve psychosocial outcomes among youth-headed households in a rural area of Rwanda. Two rounds of data were collected from youth who served as…
Psychosocial support and marginalization of youth-headed households in Rwanda
This research aims to characterize the psychosocial aspects of well-being among youth-headed households (YHH) in Gikongoro, Rwanda, through examination of social support and marginalization. Data is presented on perceived availability of support from relatives, an unidentified adult, peers, and other community members and an index of social marginalization. A total of 692 interviews were completed with YHH age 13-24 who are beneficiaries of a bas…
Sexual Risk Behavior among South African Adolescents
Infants and young children living in youth‐headed households in Rwanda
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has already produced millions of orphans in Africa and the peak of the orphan epidemic has not yet been reached. One emerging social trend associated with premature parental death is the formation of households headed by youth aged 13–24. In Rwanda, specific sociocultural factors have supported the formation of youth‐headed households (YHH) in the wake of both the 1994 genocide and the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. There is no …
Sexual Violence in Lesotho
The magnitude and characteristics of sexual violence in two urban areas of Lesotho are described based on a random household survey of 939 sexually active women aged 18–35. Sexual violence is defined as nonconsensual sex ranging from the use of threats and intimidation to unwanted touching and forced sex. Twenty‐five percent of women surveyed reported ever being physically forced to have sex; 13 percent reported that forced sex was attempted; 31 …
Barriers to the community support of orphans and vulnerable youth in Rwanda
Impact of a mentoring program on psychosocial wellbeing of youth in Rwanda
Addressing the psychosocial needs of vulnerable children and youth is viewed increasingly as a priority of humanitarian programs, particularly in Africa, where the scale of the problem necessitates community-based solutions. This quasi-experimental study tested a model of adult mentorship and support to improve psychosocial outcomes among youth-headed households in a rural area of Rwanda. Two rounds of data were collected from youth who served as…
Evaluation of a case management program for HIV clients in Rwanda
Case management is a standard practice in the United States for the effective care of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA); however, application of this approach in developing countries has not been demonstrated. Although great advances have been made in Africa to increase PLHA's access to HIV services, care and support systems often remain fragmented. In September 2004, CARE International initiated a case management program in health facilitie…
Respondent-driven sampling
Sampling methods to study street children often rely on convenience approaches. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a relatively new methodology for sampling hard-to-reach populations utilizing peer-driven recruitment. It includes both field and analytical procedures to account for non-random recruitment patterns and generates statistically valid samples. This article describes RDS and assesses its effectiveness to recruit a diverse sample of str…
Caring for the caregiver
HIV and AIDS have altered the context in which millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa are raised. Many are under the care of a widowed or ill parent, and others are residing with their extended family. Caregivers of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) face a variety of stressors that may adversely affect children. This study explores potential benefits of caregivers' membership in support groups on their own psychosocial wellbeing, an…
Does investment in home visitors lead to better psychological health for HIV-affected families? Results from a quasi-experimental evaluation in South Africa
Children and families affected by HIV are at considerable risk for psychological distress. Community-based home visiting is a common mechanism for providing basic counseling and other services to HIV-affected families. While programs emphasize home visitor training and compensation as means to promote high-quality service delivery, whether these efforts result in measurable gains in beneficiaries' well-being remains largely unanswered. This study…
Family Functioning and Child Behavioral Problems in Households Affected by HIV and Aids in Kenya
Caregiver burden among adults caring for orphaned children in rural South Africa
The AIDS epidemic has created an unprecedented number of orphans. While largely absorbed by extended family, this additional responsibility can weigh heavily on their caregivers. The concept of caregiver burden captures multiple dimensions of well-being (e.g., physical, social and psychological). Measuring the extent and determinants of caregiving burden can inform the design of programmes to ease the negative consequences of caregiving. This stu…
Home visiting programs for HIV-affected families
Home visiting is a popular component of programs for HIV-affected children in sub-Saharan Africa, but its implementation varies widely. While some home visitors are lay volunteers, other programs invest in more highly trained paraprofessional staff. This paper describes a study investigating whether additional investment in paraprofessional staffing translated into higher quality service delivery in one program context. Beneficiary children and c…
Bridging the gap
Cash transfer programs hold significant potential to mitigate the economic burdens resulting from the HIV epidemic and enhance the wellbeing of affected children. South Africa offers two cash transfers designed specifically to benefit children: the Child Support Grant, for low income families with children, and the Foster Child Grant, for children living outside of parental care. Given the high proportion of HIV-affected children who qualify for …
Promoting uptake of child HIV testing
HIV counseling and testing (HCT) is critical for children in generalized epidemic settings, but significant shortfalls in coverage persist, notably among orphans and others at disproportionate risk of infection. This study investigates the impact of a home visiting program in South Africa on orphaned and vulnerable children's uptake of HCT. Using propensity score matching, survey data for children receiving home visits from trained community-base…
Psychological and behavioral interventions to reduce HIV risk
Evidence-based approaches are needed to address the high levels of sexual risk behavior and associated HIV infection among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents. This study recruited adolescents from a support program for HIV-affected families and randomly assigned them by cluster to receive one of the following: (1) a structured group-based behavioral health intervention; (2) interpersonal psychotherapy group sessions; (3) both interventions; or (…
Can family-centered programing mitigate HIV risk factors among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents? Results from a pilot study in South Africa
Let's Talk is a structured, family-centered adolescent HIV prevention program developed for use in South Africa using key components adapted from programs successfully implemented in the US and South Africa. It is designed to address individual HIV transmission risk factors common among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents, including elevated risk for poor psychological health and sexual risk behavior. These efforts are accentuated through paralle…
What can social work do to mitigate caregiver-perpetrated physical aggression? A study among caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable female adolescents in South Africa
Many children in South Africa live outside of parental care due to orphanhood, parental labour migration, unemployment, and unstable formal partnerships. Few studies have examined risk factors for parent-to-child physical aggression (PCPA), a term encompassing varying severities of physically aggressive acts, among children residing outside of parental care. In this context prior custody preparation is uncommon,and alternative caregivers have bee…
Pathways to sexual health communication between adolescent girls and their female caregivers participating in a structured HIV prevention intervention in South Africa
Findings overall suggest that a holistic intervention approach emphasizing caregiver-adolescent relationship development and designed to support the mental health of both parties may hold significant promise for enhancing sexual health communication
Incentives matter
Engaging beneficiaries in family‐centred interventions is a well‐documented challenge. Programme engagement evidence is limited for low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study assessed the effect of incentives on participant engagement in a family‐centred HIV prevention programme among caregiver and adolescent groups in KwaZulu Natal. Incentive packages were randomly assigned by site, ranging from optimal (to address major structural barriers) t…
Condom use correlates among youth living with HIV in South Africa
Identifying factors associated with condom use can help inform the design of sexual reproductive health interventions for young people living with HIV. Data were collected from 294 sexually active youth in South Africa aged 14–24 years, living with HIV and aware of their status. Logistic regression found condom use was associated with partner status, disclosure, treatment adherence, knowledge, alcohol use, enacted stigma, and age at known status.…
Covid-19 pandemic stressors, familial discord, and anxiety among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) have poorer adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). This study investigates the interconnectivity of stressors induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and family dynamics on adolescents' adherence to ART. A telephone survey was conducted among 196 South African ALHIV previously enrolled in support groups. Generalized structural equations modeling was used to understand how pandemic-related stressors affe…
Latent class analysis of ART barriers among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa
This study examined adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa. Using survey data from 857 youth on ART, the study employed latent class analysis to identify subgroups based on self-reported reasons for missed ART doses. Three distinct classes emerged: the largest class (85%) occasionally forgot to take their medication or missed a dose because others were around, the second class …
Disclosure and Experiences of HIV-Related Stigma among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in South Africa
Social networks expand rapidly in adolescence, increasing HIV status disclosure considerations and concerns for young people living with HIV, especially in settings where HIV-related stigma is prevalent. This study examines HIV disclosure and enacted stigma among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa. This study uses survey data from a sample of 1186 youth living with HIV, aged 14-24, and enrolled in peer support groups led…
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
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…
Psychology (22 works) · Medicine (19 works) · Psychiatry (14 works) · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions (12 works) · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare (12 works) · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (11 works) · Clinical Psychology (10 works) · Family medicine (10 works) · Environmental health (9 works) · Gerontology (9 works)