RESUMEN
PURPOSE: We conducted a descriptive study to: 1) understand how husbands are aware of the importance of Sanhujoiri(i.e, Korean traditional postpartum care) and 2) identify their needs to learn how to take care of postpartum women and new-borns and to strengthen family bonding. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 123 husbands who had children under the age of 5 years. Data were analyzed with t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe's test, and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects was 37.1+/-4.63 years. The mean scores of awareness, needs for education on postpartum mother and newborn care, and family strength were 4.57+/-1.18, 4.61+/-1.18, 4.92+/-1.07, and 4.01+/-0.95, respectively, indicating higher scores. There were statistically significant differences in awareness (F=5.08, p<.05), newborn care (F=3.70, p<.05), and family strength (F=4.64, p<.05) by husband's role in Sanhujori There was a positive correlation among study variables. CONCLUSION: This study shows that even though husbands want to participate in Sanhujori, they do not have enough information on Sanhujori and mother/newborn care and adequate paternity leave. Realistic paternity leave system and effective Couple Centered Childbearing (from pregnancy to postpartum) Education Program CCCEP development are required to help husbands' participation in mother/newborn care with confidence and competence in home based Sanhujori.