Promoting lifelong health for orphan and vulnerable girls in Tanzania : A qualitative study of health promoting practices at a Tanzanian non- governmental family home

Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore which practices and factors at a Tanzanian non-governmental family home, that has promoted former female residents’ health empowerment and health literacy. Semi-structured interviews were completed with five former female residents. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis forming four main themes: 1) The family home values 2) promoting independence 3) cultural identity 4) health literacy. The findings suggest that the family homes approach of resembling family-like environments and relationships alongside maintaining the cultural and societal norms and customs, promotes health literacy and health empowerment amongst the female residents. It is suggested that future research focuses on identifying and confirming specific organisational practices and factors, that promote health literacy and empowers health and wellbeing to ensure health for all and to ensure that no one is left behind.