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Żebrowska M, Strohmaier S, Huttenhower C, Eliassen AH, Zeleznik OA, Westgarth C, Huang T, Laden F, Hart JE, Rosner B, Kawachi I, Chavarro JE, Okereke OI, Schernhammer ES. Pet Attachment and Anxiety and Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Women. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2424810. [PMID: 39088217 PMCID: PMC11294964 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Understanding how attachment to pets can alleviate depression and anxiety offers valuable insights for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies, particularly for those with insecure attachment styles from childhood trauma. Objective To determine if a close bond with a pet is associated with reduced depression and anxiety, especially among women who experienced childhood abuse. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study involved women who voluntarily enrolled in the Mind Body Study (MBS), a substudy of the Nurses' Health Study II (NHS2) focusing on psychosocial factors. Women reporting childhood abuse were oversampled to capture their psychosocial distress in adulthood. MBS participants were invited to complete comprehensive online questionnaires, which were administered twice (March 2013 and February 2014). Exposure Pet attachment measured by Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). Main Outcomes and Measures Levels of depression and anxiety (10-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CESD-10]; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K6]; 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]; Crown Crisp Experiential Index phobic anxiety subscale [CCI]), considered individually and combined into an overall z-score measure of anxiety and depression symptoms. Results A total of 214 women (mean [SD] age, 60.8 [3.9] years) were included; 156 women (72.6%) reported a history of childhood abuse. Of 688 invited MBS participants in 2013, 293 (42.6%) expressed interest; there were 228 completed questionnaires (response rate, 77.8%) in 2013 and 208 questionnaires (response rate, 71.0%) in 2014. LAPS scores were provided by 140 participants (65.4%), 78 (55.7%) for dogs and 46 (32.9%) for cats. Overall higher pet attachment on the LAPS score was significantly associated with lower GAD-7 scores (β = -0.17; 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.06), but there was no association for phobic anxiety or depression. There were no statistically significant associations between cat attachment and depression or anxiety. Higher dog attachment was associated with significantly lower scores in depression (CESD-10: β, -0.47; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.26; K6: β = -0.42; 95% CI, -0.54 to -0.31), generalized anxiety (GAD-7: β = -0.47; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.3), and the overall measure of anxiety and depression (z score: β = -0.12; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.08), but there was no association between dog attachment and phobic anxiety (CCI: β = -0.08; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.09). All effect sizes for associations were higher when analyses were restricted to women with a history of childhood abuse. Conclusions and relevance In this explorative cross-sectional study, strong attachment to pets, especially dogs, was associated with lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The favorable association was particularly apparent in women with a history of childhood abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Żebrowska
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Strohmaier
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A. Heather Eliassen
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Oana A. Zeleznik
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tianyi Huang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Francine Laden
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bernard Rosner
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Olivia I. Okereke
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eva S. Schernhammer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Takano R, Tominaga Y, Fu DJ, Moyer JA, Cheng Y, Okada K. Self-administered generational surveys combine with genetic analysis to reveal foundations of depression in Japanese adults. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:204-214. [PMID: 38599254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder is a prevalent psychiatric illness characterized by mood disturbances and influenced by various environmental and genetic factors, yet its etiology remains largely unknown. METHODS We profiled a self-reported depressive population in Japan with a focus on sociodemographic background, lifestyle, comorbidities, and genetic background, using data from two cohorts, a population-based cohort and a three-generation cohort, recruited by the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization until December 2021. RESULTS Our findings revealed that depression in the Japanese population is strongly associated with certain sociocultural features prevalent in Japan, such as social isolation, neuroticism, and introversion, as well as with well-known risk factors that include age and gender. Environmental factors related to the Great East Japan Earthquake, considered as cohort characteristics, were also strongly associated with the onset of depression. Moreover, using GWAS analysis of whole-genome sequencing data, we identified novel candidate genetic risk variants located on chromosomes 21 and 22 that are associated with depression in Japanese individuals; further validation of these risk variants is warranted. LIMITATIONS Our study has limitations, including uncertain clinical relevance resulting from the use of self-reported questionnaires for depression assessment. Additionally, the cohort exhibited a population bias, with greater representation of women than men. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide holistic insights into depression risk factors in Japanese adults, although their associations with depression are correlations. This supports the idea that targeted interventions and individualized approaches are important for addressing depression in the Japanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Takano
- Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Dong-Jing Fu
- Janssen Research and Development, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - John A Moyer
- Janssen Research and Development, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - Yang Cheng
- Janssen China Research and Development, Shanghai, China
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Mueller MK, Callina KS, Richer AM, Charmaraman L. Longitudinal Associations Between Pet Relationship Quality and Socio-Emotional Functioning in Early Adolescence. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2024; 33:e12718. [PMID: 38433732 PMCID: PMC10906745 DOI: 10.1111/sode.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adolescence is a key developmental period for socio-emotional skills, and companion animal relationships may be one potential source of emotional support and resilience during this time. This study used longitudinal data from 940 pet-owning adolescents, collected over four time points, from youth in the Northeastern United States. We assessed whether pet relationship quality (indexed by relationship satisfaction, companionship, and emotional disclosure) predicted trajectories of loneliness, social anxiety, and depression. Results indicated that high satisfaction with a pet relationship was associated with more favorable trajectories, but companionship (i.e., regarding frequency of interacting with the pet) was not related significantly to socio-emotional functioning. High levels of disclosure to a pet were linked with less favorable trajectories for loneliness and depression, but not related to social anxiety. These results suggest that a pet relationship can, in some cases, be associated positively with socio-emotional development, but that there is significant complexity in these associations. Families, educators, and practitioners should take a nuanced approach to understanding individual adolescent-pet relationships as a contextual asset for specific youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Mueller
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd., North Grafton, MA 01536
| | | | - Amanda M. Richer
- Lynch Research Associates, 1 South Ave., Natick, MA 01760
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
| | - Linda Charmaraman
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
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Żebrowska M, Strohmaier S, Westgarth C, Huttenhower C, Eliassen HA, Haghayegh S, Huang T, Laden F, Hart J, Rosner B, Kawachi I, Chavarro JE, Okereke OI, Schernhammer ES. Timing and duration of dog walking and dog owner's chronotype in relation to incident depression risk among middle to older-aged female nurses. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296922. [PMID: 38295024 PMCID: PMC10829988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined associations between dog ownership, morning dog walking and its timing and duration, and depression risk in female nurses, exploring effect modification by chronotype. We hypothesized that dog ownership and morning walking with the dog are associated with lower odds of depression, and that the latter is particularly beneficial for evening chronotypes by helping them to synchronize their biological clock with the solar system. METHODS 26,169 depression-free US women aged 53-72 from the Nurses' Health Study 2 (NHS2) were prospectively followed from 2017-2019. We used age- and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for depression according to dog ownership, and morning dog walking, duration, and timing. RESULTS Overall, there was no association between owning a dog (ORvs_no_pets = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.91-1.37), morning dog walking (ORvs_not = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.64-1.18), or the duration (OR>30min vs. ≤15mins = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.35-1.29) or timing of morning dog walks (ORafter9am vs. before7am = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.54-2.05) and depression. Chronotype of dog owners appeared to modify these associations. Compared to women of the same chronotype but without pets, dog owners with evening chronotypes had a significantly increased odds of depression (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.12-2.29), whereas morning chronotypes did not (OR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.71-1.23). Further, our data suggested that evening chronotypes benefited more from walking their dog themselves in the morning (OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.46-1.23, Pintx = 0.064;) than morning chronotypes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, dog ownership was not associated with depression risk though it was increased among evening chronotypes. Walking their dog in the morning might help evening chronotypes to lower their odds of depression, though more data are needed to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Żebrowska
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Strohmaier
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Eliassen
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Shahab Haghayegh
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Tianyi Huang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Francine Laden
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jaime Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Bernard Rosner
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Olivia I. Okereke
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Eva S. Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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5
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Amiot CE, Gagné C, Bastian B. Exploring the role of our contacts with pets in broadening concerns for animals, nature, and fellow humans: a representative study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17079. [PMID: 37816763 PMCID: PMC10564771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
While pet ownership is normative in many occidental countries, whether humans' proximal contacts with pets have implications for attitudes and behaviors toward other (non pet) animals, nature, and fellow humans, has received limited empirical attention. In a large representative sample, we investigate whether pet ownership and positive contact with pets are associated with more positive attitudes and heightened concerns for non-pet animals, nature, and human outgroups. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among Canadian adults (619 pet owners, 450 non-pet owners). Pet owners reported more positive attitudes toward non-pet animals (e.g., wild, farm animals), higher identification with animals, more positive attitudes toward human outgroups, higher biospheric environmental concerns, higher human-environment interdependence beliefs, and lower usual meat consumption. Positive contact with pets was also associated with most of these outcomes. Solidarity with animals, a dimension of identification with animals, emerged as a particularly clear predictor of these outcomes and mediated the associations between positive contact with pets and positive attitudes toward non-pet animals, biospheric, egoistic, and altruistic environmental concerns, human-environment interdependence beliefs, and diet. Our results provide support for the capacity of pets to shape human consideration for a broad range of social issues, beyond the specific context of human-pet relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Amiot
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. Centre-Ville, C.P. 8888, Montreal, PQ, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Christophe Gagné
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. Centre-Ville, C.P. 8888, Montreal, PQ, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Brock Bastian
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 06, 05, Redmond Barry Building, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Miyake H, Inoue Y, Okazaki H, Miyamoto T, Eguchi M, Kochi T, Kabe I, Tomizawa A, Fukunaga A, Yamamoto S, Konishi M, Dohi S, Mizoue T. The association between living alone and depressive symptoms and the role of pet ownership among Japanese workers. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1769. [PMID: 37697320 PMCID: PMC10494449 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16619-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living alone has been positively associated with the prevalence of depressive symptoms. We examined how a combination of living alone and pet ownership relates to depressive symptoms. METHODS As part of the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study, we conducted a survey on health-related lifestyles, including living arrangements and pet ownership, among 12,763 employees of five companies in 2018-2021. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 11-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (cutoff score ≥ 9). A Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimator was used to calculate prevalence ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) while adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Among the participants, 30.9% were depressed, 17.7% had pets, and 29.1% lived alone. Compared to individuals living with others but not with a pet, those living alone and not with a pet had a 1.17 times higher prevalence ratio of depressive symptoms (95% CI: 1.08-1.26). The corresponding figures were 1.03 (95% CI: 0.95-1.11) for those living with others and pet(s) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.18-1.69) for those living alone but with pet(s). CONCLUSION Living alone was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms. The association was rather stronger among individuals with vs. without pets. Pet ownership may not be associated with decreased depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Miyake
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Inoue
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | - Toshiaki Miyamoto
- Nippon Steel Corporation, East Nippon Works, Kimitsu Area, Chiba, Japan
| | | | | | - Isamu Kabe
- KUBOTA Corporation Co., Ltd, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Ami Fukunaga
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shohei Yamamoto
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Konishi
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tetsuya Mizoue
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Pet ownership and survival of European older adults. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:1549-1560. [PMID: 36692784 PMCID: PMC9638448 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00739-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
With pet ownership on the rise, millions of individuals are exposed to this environmental exposure. Although the subject has been largely studied, more evidence is needed to clarify the potential association of pet ownership with human health. The aim of this research is to study the potential association of pet exposure (any pet, cat, dog, bird, fish) with all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality of older ([Formula: see text] 50 years) European residents. To this end, a total of 23,274 participants from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were employed (median follow-up 119 months). All-cause mortality (5163 events), as well as cardiovascular (CVD) (1832 events), and cancer mortality (1346 events) were examined using Cox Proportional Hazards models for their relation with pet exposure at baseline. Stratified analyses were also performed by gender and for single or multi-person households. No significant association was observed for any of the pets with all-cause mortality on the whole sample and the fully adjusted models. In stratified analyses, bird exposure significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality in women [Hazard Ratio [Formula: see text]; 95% CI 1.04-1.44] as well as women living alone [Formula: see text]; 95% CI 1.02-1.85). Cause-specific models revealed an increased risk of death for women bird owners for causes other than cancer and CVD [Formula: see text]; 95% CI 1.05-1.99). In conclusion, bird ownership may be negatively associated with survival of older women in Europe.
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Maurice C, Engels C, Canouï‐Poitrine F, Lemogne C, Fromantin I, Poitrine E. Dog ownership and mental health among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37:10.1002/gps.5815. [PMID: 36184824 PMCID: PMC9828431 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The population is ageing, and psychiatric disorders are common in older people. Those are associated with worsened quality of life. Although the positive relationship between dog ownership and physical health has been documented, data on mental health are scarcer, especially in community-dwelling older adults. OBJECTIVE We sought to establish whether owning a dog was associated with a lower number of symptoms of psychological disorders in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature published between January 2005 and December 2020. We analysed comparative studies of the level of insomnia and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety among community-dwelling dog owners aged 70 and over. RESULTS The search identified 191 articles, of which 117 full texts were assessed for eligibility. Five cross-sectional studies and one before-after with control group study (assessing a total of 25,138 older adults) were included. The mean (range) NOS score (five studies) was 6.8/9 (5-9) and the EPOC score (one study) was 2/8. The association between the presence of a dog and depressive symptoms did not appear to be significant. Regular contact with a dog was associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety. None of the studies specifically examined sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS Although the presence of a dog did not appear to be related to the level of depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults, there might be a beneficial relationship with anxiety. Further investigation is needed - especially with regard to the type of dog and the type of relationship with the dog.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Engels
- Universite Paris Est CreteilINSERMIMRBCEpiA TeamCréteilFrance,Universite Paris Est CreteilFaculty of HealthCréteilFrance
| | - Florence Canouï‐Poitrine
- Universite Paris Est CreteilINSERMIMRBCEpiA TeamCréteilFrance,AP‐HPHenri Mondor HospitalPublic Health ServiceCréteilFrance
| | - Cédric Lemogne
- AP‐HPCentre‐Université de ParisDMU Psychiatrie et AddictologieHôpital Hôtel‐DieuService de Psychiatrie de l'adulteParisFrance,INSERMInstitut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de ParisUniversité de ParisFaculté de SantéUFR de MédecineParisFrance
| | - Isabelle Fromantin
- Universite Paris Est CreteilINSERMIMRBCEpiA TeamCréteilFrance,Research and Wound Care UnitCurie InstituteParisFrance
| | - Eric Poitrine
- Maison de Santé Pluridisciplinaire Michael BalintLe Mée‐sur‐SeineFrance
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9
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Chakma SK, Islam TT, Shahjalal M, Mitra DK. Depression among pet owners and non-pet owners: a comparative cross-sectional study in Dhaka, Bangladesh. F1000Res 2022; 10:574. [PMID: 34484690 PMCID: PMC8383123 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53276.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Depression is a major contributor to overall global disease burden, often beginning in the teenage years and continuing into later life. Previous studies have reported high global rates of depression during these formative years, including in Bangladesh. At the same time, the positive impact that pet ownership can have on depression is steeply being recognized. However, studies examining these effects in Bangladesh are scarce. This study examined the association between household pet ownership and depression among people older than 13 years in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using online and offline approaches. We employed a snowball sampling technique to identify pet owners aged greater than 13 years residing in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Both web-based survey questionnaires using social media and hard copies were used to collect data from urban-dwelling pet owners. Logistic regression model was used to identify the independent role of pet ownership in depression, adjusting for confounders, including age, sex, marital status, known chronic disabilities, and other variables. Results: A total of 140 pet owners and an equal number of non-pet owners participated in the study. Pet owners were found to be 41% less depressed than non-pet owners (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.31–1.14). In addition, males (AOR: 3.38; 95% CI: 1.50–7.62) who were either unmarried (AOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.05–4.16), smoked tobacco (AOR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.50–18.53), or had a physical disability (AOR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.50–18.53) were significantly more likely to be depressed. Conclusion: Regression analysis revealed that in Dhaka, pet owners were associated with lower levels of depression compared to non-pet owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Kishor Chakma
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre For Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Shahjalal
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Dipak Kumar Mitra
- Professor and Chairman, Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
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10
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Merkouri A, Graham TM, O’Haire ME, Purewal R, Westgarth C. Dogs and the Good Life: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between the Dog–Owner Relationship and Owner Mental Wellbeing. Front Psychol 2022; 13:903647. [PMID: 35923726 PMCID: PMC9341998 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.903647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog ownership is believed to benefit owner wellbeing but, contrary to popular belief, there is limited evidence to suggest that simply owning a dog is associated with improved mental health. This mixed-methods study investigates whether dog owners with stronger relationships with their dogs experience better mental health. Participants (n = 1,693, adult United Kingdom dog owners) completed an online survey. Owners’ health was measured using the validated PROMIS questions regarding depression, anxiety, emotional support, and companionship. The dog–owner relationship was measured using the validated MDORS scale, which has three subscales: interaction, emotional closeness, and perceived costs. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for confounding factors. Additionally, positive and negative impacts of dog ownership on mental wellbeing were coded from open questions using thematic analysis. A stronger dog–owner relationship was associated with greater feelings of emotional support and companionship but poorer mental health in terms of anxiety or depression. However, the perceived costs (burden) subscale was consistently associated with better mental health outcomes. Direction of causality cannot be inferred as people with poor mental health may acquire dogs to help relieve symptoms, which qualitative analysis supported. Key themes included positive impacts on owner wellbeing and happiness through providing purpose, companionship and self-acceptance, pleasure and distraction, as well as lessening emotional pain and suffering and reducing risk behaviors. However, negative impacts of a strong relationship include anticipatory grief over loss of the dog, and concerns regarding the burden of responsibility and ability to meet dog’s needs. Perceived ability to adequately meet dog’s needs promoted personal growth and positive relationships with others, whereas perceived inability led to feelings of guilt, or anger/frustration, and reduced autonomy and sense of environmental mastery. Dog ownership contributes to both hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing in multiple ways, including supporting owners through periods of poor mental health and providing purpose. However, the burden of responsibility and owner and dog characteristics can create challenges, and owners may benefit from support in caring for their dogs and reducing problematic behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Merkouri
- School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Taryn M. Graham
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Marguerite Elizabeth O’Haire
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Rebecca Purewal
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Carri Westgarth
- School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Carri Westgarth,
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11
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Zhang S, Wang Q, Wang X, Qi K, Zhou Y, Zhou C. Pet ownership and cognitive frailty among Chinese rural older adults who experienced a social loss: Is there a sex difference? Soc Sci Med 2022; 305:115100. [PMID: 35690032 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The loss of a spouse (widowed or divorced) is one of the most common forms of social loss in older adults. However, evidence is limited regarding whether social loss is associated with cognitive frailty. Maintaining pets has become increasingly popular. Despite its health benefits, little is known about whether pet ownership can buffer cognitive frailty in older adults facing social loss. Here, we examined the role of pet ownership in the relationship between social loss and cognitive frailty among males and females older adults living in rural China. METHODS A total of 2638 rural older adults were analysed. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore risk or protective factors associated with cognitive frailty. Participants were categorised into four groups according to social loss and pet ownership assessment: (i) no social loss + own pet, (ii) no social loss + no pet, (iii) social loss + own pet, and (iv) social loss + no pet. Binary logistic regression was also performed to examine the interaction effects of social loss and pet ownership on cognitive frailty stratified by sex. RESULTS Regardless of pet ownership, spousal loss was associated with cognitive frailty for men and women. Female participants who experienced loss without a pet had a significantly higher risk of cognitive frailty. However, we did not observe a significant association between pet ownership and cognitive frailty among men who experienced loss. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the buffering effect of pet ownership on cognitive frailty in older women experiencing social loss. This implies that targeted support for older adults of different sexes who experienced social losses may be effective in preventing cognitive frailty in rural China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Zhang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiyuan Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Kaili Qi
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yanxin Zhou
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chengchao Zhou
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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12
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Sun Q, Gao T, Han S, Mo G, Liu H. Role of raising domestic animals in decreasing the risk of dementia occurrence in Chinese older adults: Evidence of a 10-year prospective cohort study. Geriatr Nurs 2022; 45:174-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Pet ownership and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6091. [PMID: 35413973 PMCID: PMC9002031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The question of pet ownership contributing to human well-being has received mixed empirical evidence. This contrasts with the lay intuition that pet ownership contributes positively to wellness. In a large representative sample, we investigate the differences that may exist between pet vs. non-pet owners in terms of their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, and examine among different sociodemographic strata, for whom pet ownership can be more vs. less beneficial. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among Canadian adults (1220 pet owners, 1204 non-pet owners). Pet owners reported lower well-being than non-pet owners on a majority of well-being indicators; this general pet ownership effect held when accounting for pet species (dogs, cats, other species) and number of pets owned. Compared to owners of other pets, dog owners reported higher well-being. When examining the effect of pet ownership within different socioeconomic strata, being a pet owner was associated with lower well-being among: women; people who have 2 + children living at home; people who are unemployed. Our results offer a counterpoint to popular beliefs emphasising the benefits of pets to human wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic and confirm the importance of accounting for sociodemographic factors to further understand the experience of pet ownership.
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14
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Pinello KC, Palmieri C, Ruiz J, Zaidan Dagli ML, Niza-Ribeiro J. Risks and benefits of the interaction with companion animals. One Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822794-7.00012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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15
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Mueller MK, King EK, Halbreich ED, Callina KS. Companion Animals and Adolescent Stress and Adaptive Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ANTHROZOOS 2022; 35:693-712. [PMID: 36387418 PMCID: PMC9662752 DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2022.2027093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant social disruptions for youth caused by lockdowns, school closures, and a lack of in-person social interactions. Companion animals are prevalent in US households and may provide a source of emotional support and motivation for youth to engage in adaptive coping behaviors during social challenges. The goals of this study were to assess if dog owners, non-dog pet owners, and non-pet owners differed in stress levels, positive affect, and use of adaptive coping strategies such as increased time outdoors, regular walking, and healthy behaviors. This study used data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM (ABCD) Study, a large, nationally representative dataset of American youth. In a cross-sectional sample of 6,069 adolescents, there were significant, but small, relationships between owning a non-dog pet and lower levels of positive affect, and both dog owners and non-dog pet owners reported higher perceived stress compared with non-pet owners. Dog ownership was associated with higher odds of using healthy coping strategies compared with non-pet owners, but this relationship was not significant when controlling for demographic variables. Dog owners reported higher odds of having a walking routine and spending time outdoors compared with non-pet owners. Overall, the results suggest no buffering effect of pet ownership on youth mental wellbeing, but dog ownership is associated with some healthy coping behaviors linked to walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Mueller
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA
- Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin K. King
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA
- Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Pet Ownership and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120332. [PMID: 34941859 PMCID: PMC8705563 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pet ownership is the most common form of human–animal interaction, and anecdotally, pet ownership can lead to improved physical and mental health for owners. However, scant research is available validating these claims. This study aimed to review the recent peer reviewed literature to better describe the body of knowledge surrounding the relationship between pet ownership and mental health. A literature search was conducted in May 2020 using two databases to identify articles that met inclusion/exclusion criteria. After title review, abstract review, and then full article review, 54 articles were included in the final analysis. Of the 54 studies, 18 were conducted in the general population, 15 were conducted in an older adult population, eight were conducted in children and adolescents, nine focused on people with chronic disease, and four examined a specific unique population. Forty-one of the studies were cross-sectional, 11 were prospective longitudinal cohorts, and two were other study designs. For each of the articles, the impact of pet ownership on the mental health of owners was divided into four categories: positive impact (n = 17), mixed impact (n = 19), no impact (n = 13), and negative impact (n = 5). Among the reviewed articles, there was much variation in population studied and study design, and these differences make direct comparison challenging. However, when focusing on the impact of pet ownership on mental health, the results were variable and not wholly supportive of the benefit of pets on mental health. Future research should use more consistent methods across broader populations and the development of a pet-ownership survey module for use in broad, population surveys would afford a better description of the true relationship of pet ownership and mental health.
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17
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Mueller MK, King EK, Callina K, Dowling-Guyer S, McCobb E. Demographic and contextual factors as moderators of the relationship between pet ownership and health. Health Psychol Behav Med 2021; 9:701-723. [PMID: 34395058 PMCID: PMC8356805 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2021.1963254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Companion animals are an important feature of the family system, and human-animal interaction is increasingly being recognized as an important social determinant of health. However, there is a need for more nuanced assessment of not only who owns pets, but how pet ownership is related to various health outcomes, and which sociodemographic and contextual factors moderate these associations. DESIGN Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected from an online, probability-based panel to generate a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States (n = 1267). Data were analyzed using hierarchical and logistic regression models. RESULTS Results suggested that pet owners are systematically different from non-pet owners on a number of key demographic and contextual characteristics, and these differences vary somewhat when looking at dog owners and cat owners. When controlling for individual and family-level covariates, pet ownership was not associated with overall health status or Body Mass Index, but dog ownership was associated with higher levels of physical activity. Pet ownership was associated with higher odds of having an anxiety disorder with gender moderating this relationship, but this association was not present for dog or cat owners, suggesting this relationship is limited to other types of pets. Higher odds of depression were associated with pet ownership (for both dog and cat owners), with employment status significantly moderating the relationship between dog ownership status and depression. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that pet ownership is a complex and context specific phenomenon. Future research should carefully consider and control for sociodemographic predictors and use measurement and analysis approaches sensitive to the variations in human-animal relationships to fully understand how pets contribute to individual and family health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Mueller
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
- Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University
| | - Erin K. King
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
- Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University
| | | | - Seana Dowling-Guyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
| | - Emily McCobb
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
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18
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Chakma SK, Islam TT, Shahjalal M, Mitra DK. Depression among pet owners and non-pet owners: a comparative cross-sectional study in Dhaka, Bangladesh. F1000Res 2021; 10:574. [PMID: 34484690 PMCID: PMC8383123 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53276.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Depression is a major contributor to overall global disease burden, often beginning in the teenage years and continuing into later life. Previous studies have reported high global rates of depression during these formative years, including in Bangladesh. At the same time, the positive impact that pet ownership can have on depression is steeply being recognized. However, studies examining these effects in Bangladesh are scarce. This study examined the association between household pet ownership and depression among people older than 13 years in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using online and offline approaches. We employed a snowball sampling technique to identify pet owners aged greater than 13 years residing in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Both web-based survey questionnaires using social media and hard copies were used to collect data from urban-dwelling pet owners. Logistic regression model was used to identify the independent role of pet ownership in depression, adjusting for confounders, including age, sex, marital status, known chronic disabilities, and other variables. Results: A total of 140 pet owners and an equal number of non-pet owners participated in the study. Pet owners were found to be 41% less depressed than non-pet owners (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.31-1.14). In addition, males (AOR: 3.38; 95% CI: 1.50-7.62) who were either unmarried (AOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.05-4.16), smoked tobacco (AOR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.50-18.53), or had a physical disability (AOR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.50-18.53) were significantly more likely to be depressed. Conclusion: Regression analysis revealed that in Dhaka, pet owners were associated with lower levels of depression compared to non-pet owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Kishor Chakma
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre For Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Shahjalal
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Dipak Kumar Mitra
- Professor and Chairman, Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
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19
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Bolstad CJ, Porter B, Brown CJ, Kennedy RE, Nadorff MR. The Relation Between Pet Ownership, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms in Late Life: Propensity Score Matched Analyses. ANTHROZOOS 2021; 34:671-684. [PMID: 34776606 PMCID: PMC8580122 DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2021.1926707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms between older adult pet owners and non-pet owners after accounting for various correlates. Research findings on the anxiety-relieving and antidepressant effects of late-life pet ownership are mixed and limited. This may be due in part to various characteristics that impact the likelihood of owning a pet. Propensity score matching was used to pair 169 pet owners with 169 non-pet owners aged 70 to 91 years who participated in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging. One set of propensity scores was created using age, sex, race, rurality, marital status, and income, as well as self-reported health, difficulty with activities of daily living, and difficulty with instrumental activities of daily living. A second set of scores was created using age, sex, race, rurality, marital status, and income. Multiple linear regression analyses were then used to explore the relation between pet ownership status and anxiety or depressive symptoms, controlling for the other symptoms. Pet ownership was significantly associated with lower self-reported anxiety symptoms (β = -0.14) but not depressive symptoms (β = -0.03) in the data matched without health variables. When propensity score matching included health variables, pet ownership was related to neither symptoms of anxiety (β = -0.08) nor depression (β = 0.05). These results suggest that owning a pet in later life is related to fewer anxiety symptoms, over and above the impact of depressive symptoms, even after accounting for various demographic and economic covariates. However, general and functional health appear to be critical to this relation, but the direction of this relation could not be determined from our analyses (i.e., it is not clear whether the relation between pet ownership and anxiety symptoms is confounded by, mediates, or is mediated by health). This study is the first large-scale analysis to find a significant relation between pet ownership and fewer anxiety symptoms in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben Porter
- Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Cynthia J. Brown
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care and Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Richard E. Kennedy
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care and Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael R. Nadorff
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA
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