Factors that Affect the choice of the Utilization of Sanhujoriwon among the Postpartal Women

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This study examines the factors that are associated with the choice of the Sanhujoriwon utilization among the Korean postpartal women. Data were collected from 140 postpartal women in 9 hospitals around Seoul. Data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The results were as follows: 1. Forty percent of the respondents chose to go to a Sanhujoriwon while they were in a hospital after having given birth to a child. 2. The number of persons who could help a respondent beside her husband showed a statistically significant association with the choice of the Sanhujoriwon utilization. In addition, burden from multiple roles expected after the birth was positively associated with the choice of the Sanhujoriwon utilization. Recommendations by husbands or friends to use the Sanhujoriwon also increased the proportion of the choice of the Sanhujoriwon utilization. 3. Knowledge about the Sanhujoriwon appeared to be an important factor. Having heard about the Sanhujoriwon, an appropriateness of the price, and a positive image of the Sanhujoriwon were positively associated with the choice of the Sanhujoriwon utilization. It was expected that the degree of depressive symptoms and confidence of raising a newborn baby would affect the Sanhujoriwon utilization. This was not the case in this study. Intimacy developed between the postpartal women, their husbands and their relatives as well as parents in-law did not show a statistically significant relationship to the choice of the utilization. Implication of these findings and major findings of this study were discussed.