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Powell L, Ackerman R, Reinhard CL, Serpell J, Watson B. A prospective study of mental wellbeing, quality of life, human-animal attachment, and grief among foster caregivers at animal shelters. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301661. [PMID: 38776263 PMCID: PMC11111037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301661] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Foster care programs at animal shelters have emerged as an important tool for promoting animal welfare and supporting shelter life-saving efforts. Preliminary evidence suggests that foster caregiving may also be health-promoting for humans. The goals of this study were to investigate the experiences of foster caregivers at animal shelters based on measures of positive and negative affect, quality of life, and grief, and to describe human-animal attachment among foster populations. Between March 2022 and 2023, 131 foster caregivers from five shelters in the United States completed three online surveys before, during and after providing foster care to a shelter animal. Positive affect decreased significantly from baseline to post-foster (F = 5.71, p<0.01), particularly among dog caregivers (F = 6.17, p<0.01). Negative affect remained unchanged (F = 0.47, p = 0.63). Foster caregivers perceived their foster animal provided companionship, affection and emotional support, although dog foster caregivers reported significantly higher emotional (U = 313.50, p<0.01) and social/physical quality of life (t = 4.42, p<0.01) than cat foster caregivers. Caregivers reported low mean avoidant and anxious attachment, suggesting they were able to develop secure bonds with their foster animals. Retention of fosters was also strong, with 86% of caregivers reporting they were likely to provide foster care in the future. Our findings suggest that fostering at animal shelters may serve as a One Health intervention to offer companionship, affection and emotional support to human caregivers while promoting animal welfare. However, these benefits did not translate to improvements in caregiver mental wellbeing, so caution should be applied when considering foster caregiving as a potential mental health promotion tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Powell
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Roxy Ackerman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Chelsea L. Reinhard
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - James Serpell
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Brittany Watson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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Ortmeyer HK, Giffuni J, Etchberger D, Katzel L. The Role of Companion Dogs in the VA Maryland Health Care System Whole Health(y) GeroFit Program. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3047. [PMID: 37835653 PMCID: PMC10571922 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
GeroFit is a gym-based exercise program that promotes health and wellness among older sedentary veterans. The aims of the current study were to determine whether providing a companion dog as an alternative to gym-based exercise would similarly affect whole health outcomes. A total of 15 (n = 15) veterans (62 ± 11 years of age; 13 of 15 >54 years of age) underwent physical function testing, completed global and whole health questionnaires, and wore an accelerometer for 7 days before (baseline) and 3 months after a dog came into their home. The participants completed the Pet Attachment Scale (PAS), Dog Owner-Specific Quality of Life (DOQOL), and Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research questionnaires at 3 months. Cardiorespiratory endurance, lower body strength, daily steps, and time spent engaging in moderate physical activity all increased compared to the baseline levels. Body weight decreased among veterans whose body mass index was ≥30 (n = 11). The PAS and DOQOL scores indicated high attachment and positive effects on quality of life after having a dog in the home, with all veterans agreeing that having a dog improved the number of social activities they performed. We conclude that providing a companion dog to veterans not inclined to participate in gym-based exercise is an effective alternative method of promoting health and wellness in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi K. Ortmeyer
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.G.); (D.E.); (L.K.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jamie Giffuni
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.G.); (D.E.); (L.K.)
| | - Danielle Etchberger
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.G.); (D.E.); (L.K.)
| | - Leslie Katzel
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.G.); (D.E.); (L.K.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Roseveare C, Breheny M, Mansvelt J, Murray L, Wilkie M, Gates MC. Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6199. [PMID: 37444047 PMCID: PMC10340564 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the health-promoting potential of human-companion animal relationships from a broad public health perspective while acknowledging barriers to ownership, particularly for older adults. Companion animal fostering is an alternative to pet ownership that aligns with the Ottawa Charter health promotion principle that caring for others in everyday settings promotes health. This narrative review of the literature on companion animal fostering draws on Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-sided house), an indigenous model of health that is influential in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the Ottawa Charter. We found that companion animal fostering can be considered health-promoting for human and non-human animals, using a broad and multidimensional understanding of health. As well as improving the long-term outcomes for homeless animals, companion animal fostering has the potential to promote the health of the individuals, families, and communities who provide foster homes. Our review highlights the importance of health promoters considering the reciprocal relationship between human and animal health. Future research should explore different aspects of human and non-human health, perspectives of different types of fosterers in different settings and communities, barriers to fostering, and methods that explore the role of caring for a wider range of companion animals in creating and sustaining wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Breheny
- School of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand;
| | - Juliana Mansvelt
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
| | - Linda Murray
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6140, New Zealand;
| | - Marg Wilkie
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - M. Carolyn Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
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Teo JT, Johnstone SJ, Römer SS, Thomas SJ. Psychophysiological mechanisms underlying the potential health benefits of human-dog interactions: A systematic literature review. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 180:27-48. [PMID: 35901904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
While the symbiotic nature of human-dog relationships and perceived benefits to human health have attracted much scientific interest, the mechanisms through which human-dog interactions may confer health benefits to humans are still poorly understood. The aim of this systematic literature review was to synthesize evidence of physiological changes associated with human-dog interactions with relevance to human health. Electronic databases were systematically searched (PubMed, MEDLINE with full text, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Web of Science Core Collection) for relevant studies. Of the 13,072 studies identified, 129 met the inclusion criteria, with approximately half being randomized trials (Level 2) based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine level system. Measures employed to study human physiological changes associated with human-dog interactions most commonly involved cardiac parameters and hormones, with negligible research of brain activity. The main positive findings were increases in heart rate variability and oxytocin, and decreases in cortisol with human-dog interactions. These physiological indicators are consistent with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and oxytocinergic system (OTS), and down-regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. These results provide evidence of specific pathways through which human-dog contact may confer health benefits, likely through relaxation, bonding, and stress reduction. However, these findings should be interpreted contextually due to limitations and methodological differences. Previous research using other biological variables was limited in quantity and quality, thus impeding firm conclusions on other possible mechanisms. Further research is needed in some psychophysiological domains, particularly electroencephalography, to better understand central nervous system (CNS) effects. The findings of this review have implications for human-dog interactions to positively affect several stress-sensitive physiological pathways and thus confer health benefits. This supports their incorporation in various clinical, non-clinical, and research settings to develop evidence-based interventions and practices for cost-effective and efficacious ways to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian T Teo
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Stuart J Johnstone
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Stephanie S Römer
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Susan J Thomas
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, 2522, Australia.
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Fine AH. The Psycho-Social Impact of Human-Animal Interactions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113964. [PMID: 32503255 PMCID: PMC7312061 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
When I was asked by the Journal to guest edit a special issue on the psychosocial impact of human-animal interactions, I was honored to accept the invitation [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey H Fine
- Department of Education, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
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Effects of Proximity between Companion Dogs and Their Caregivers on Heart Rate Variability Measures in Older Adults: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082674. [PMID: 32295094 PMCID: PMC7215279 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive tool used to evaluate autonomic nervous system function and is affected by age, stress, postural changes, and physical activity. Dog ownership has been associated with higher 24-hr HRV and increased physical activity compared to nonowners. The current pilot study was designed to evaluate the effects of proximity to a dog in real time (minute-by-minute) on older dog caregivers’ HRV measures and stress index during normal daily life over a 24-hr period. Eleven caregivers (56–83 years of age) wore ActiGraph GT9X Link accelerometers and camntech electrocardiogram monitors, and 11 dogs wore PetPace Collars and ActiGraph monitors to determine (a) proximity (absence or presence of Received Signal Strength Indicator, RSSI), (b) heart rate and HRV measures, (c) position (lying vs. sitting vs. standing), and (d) physical activity in the 11 dyads. Twenty-four hour HRV (SDNN index) and physical activity in the caregivers and dogs were related. Stress index was lower, and HRV parameters (SDNN, rMSDD, high frequency power (HF)) were higher when an RSSI signal was detected (presence of dog) compared to no RSSI signal (absence of dog) in the caregivers while inactive (lying + sitting + standing combined). HRV parameters (rMSDD and HF) were lower in the caregivers while standing and sitting compared to lying. The results from this pilot study support the hypothesis that spending time in the presence of a companion dog increases caregivers’ HRV throughout the day and suggest that proximity to a dog may contribute to overall improvements in 24-hr HRV and cardiac health in dog caregivers.
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