ABSTRACT
Health promotion is regarded as the cornerstone of good health. It is the action expected from individuals and families in order to better their own health situation. Health promotion is an art and science (Edelman et Mandle; 2002:16) that is integrated into the primary health care to reduce existing health problems. The purpose of the research on which this article is reporting; was to explore and describe the health promotion needs of families with adolescents orphaned by human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The research was located within a qualitative paradigm that is both exploratory and descriptive. Eight families who were purposely selected participated in the research process. Qualitative methods; such as group interviews and field notes were utilised to collect data. The health promotion needs of the families with adolescents orphaned by HIV/AIDS were explored and described. Tesch's analysis process; which entails a series of steps; was followed (Creswell; 2003:192). Themes; categories and subcategories that form the central focus of health promotion needs emerged during the data analysis. These themes;categories and subcategories are used to develop guidelines for health promotion