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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Barcelos AM, Kargas N, Assheton P, Maltby J, Hall S, Mills DS. Dog owner mental health is associated with dog behavioural problems, dog care and dog-facilitated social interaction: a prospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21734. [PMID: 38066034 PMCID: PMC10709316 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48731-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous qualitative and cross-sectional studies investigating how dog-related factors may impact owners' well-being, empirical studies to test these causal effects are lacking. This prospective cohort study examined the correlation and potential causal effect of 17 dog-related factors with six well-being outcomes (depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, hedonic well-being and eudaimonic well-being) in dog owners. Over a four-week period, 709 adult dog owners reported their weekly well-being and occurrence of each dog-related factor (e.g. how many times they ran with their dogs). A random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) with significance threshold set at 0.001 was used. Six factors correlated with poorer owner well-being (i.e. aggressive dog behaviour, fearful dog behaviour, poor dog health, failure to provide for the dog, lack of control over the dog, and dog presence). Only 'friendly conversation with others due to the dog' correlated with better well-being. Purposeful reductions in the frequency of dog behavioural and health-related issues are likely to improve owner well-being, as well as greater consistency in dog care (i.e. provide for the dog) and more engagement in friendly dog-facilitated social interactions. No potential causal effects were significant. Further studies investigating causal relationships are essential to improve people's well-being through dog ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niko Kargas
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - John Maltby
- School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Sophie Hall
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK
| | - Daniel S Mills
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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Stephens-Lewis D, Johnson A, Turley N, Naydorf-Hannis R, Scurlock-Evans L, Schenke KC. Understanding Canine 'Reactivity': Species-Specific Behaviour or Human Inconvenience? J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2022:1-15. [PMID: 36420968 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2147007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are often referred to as "human's best friend," with many households in the United Kingdom and worldwide including a dog. Yet, whilst research highlights the myriad of human health benefits associated with canine companionship, many dogs are relinquished, or euthanized, for purported behavioral problems. A key behavior often cited in these situations is Reactivity, despite a lack of consensus in the literature (or in the lay population) as to exactly what is encompassed within this term. Resultantly, this paper reports on an online survey to investigate how the term Reactivity is understood by humans. Following the completion of a thematic analysis, six sub-themes were developed, forming three overarching theme clusters, namely; Canine Characteristics, The Importance of Human Perception and Human Capability. In sum, this research highlights the complex, nuanced and, sometimes, contradictory nature of understanding around the label of Reactivity, encompassing both canine and human factors. As such, conclusions include the proposal of a preliminary Perceived Reactivity Framework to conceptualize this seemingly multi-faceted concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Stephens-Lewis
- School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall, GL50 4AZ, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Amber Johnson
- School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall, GL50 4AZ, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Nia Turley
- School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall, GL50 4AZ, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Rebecca Naydorf-Hannis
- School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall, GL50 4AZ, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Laura Scurlock-Evans
- School of Psychology, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove St Johns, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
| | - Kimberley Caroline Schenke
- School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall, GL50 4AZ, Cheltenham, UK
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Baiardini I, Fasola S, Lorenzi C, Colombo N, Bruno M, La Grutta S, Scognamillo C, Braido F. Might Dog Walking Reduce the Impact of COPD on Patients' Life? Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112317. [PMID: 36421641 PMCID: PMC9690207 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Low levels of physical activity (PA) lead to a worsening of physical condition and contributes to multimorbidity in Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (COPD). Unsupervised PA related to dog ownership may contribute to reducing sedentary behavior. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dog walking, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and exacerbations in COPD. A pre-defined sample of 200 COPD patients (dog owners and non-dog owners) with symptomatic COPD was sourced from a database representative of the Italian population. A computer-assisted personal interview was used to assess health status impairment (CAT), fatigue (FACIT), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (EQ-5D), and PA frequency. In the whole sample, PA was associated with better CAT, EQ-5D, VAS, FACIT scores and reduced number of exacerbation (p < 0.001). Under the same CAT scores, dog-walking duration was associated with a better HRQoL (EQ5D, p = 0.015) and less fatigue (FACIT, p = 0.017). In an adjusted regression model, walking dogs >30 min was associated with lower fatigue (FACIT) than having no dogs and walking dogs <15 min (p = 0.026 and p = 0.009, respectively). Motivation related to dog walking could modify patients’ tendency to focus on symptoms during PA and, therefore, to perceive the fatigue. Dog walking may be effective for increasing and maintaining regular PA, reducing the subjective impact of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Baiardini
- Respiratory Unit for Continuity of Care, IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Salvatore Fasola
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Lorenzi
- Respiratory Unit for Continuity of Care, IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Nicole Colombo
- Respiratory Unit for Continuity of Care, IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Bruno
- Respiratory Unit for Continuity of Care, IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefania La Grutta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Braido
- Respiratory Unit for Continuity of Care, IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Denis-Robichaud J, Aenishaenslin C, Richard L, Desmarchelier M, Carabin H. Association between Pet Ownership and Mental Health and Well-Being of Canadians Assessed in a Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19042215. [PMID: 35206405 PMCID: PMC8924879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between pet ownership and quality of life (QoL), loneliness, anxiety, stress, overall health, and mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic using a One Health perspective. An online bilingual survey was completed by 1500 Canadians in April-May 2021. Socio-demographics, health, QoL, stress and anxiety, loneliness, social support, pet ownership, and attitude towards pets data were collected. Crude and adjusted associations between pet ownership and mental health and well-being indicators were estimated. The 1500 participants were from all provinces and territories, half were women; half of the participants were pet owners by design. The crude association estimates showed that pet owners had poorer QoL, overall health, and mental health than non-pet owners, and were lonelier, more stressed, and more anxious than non-pet owners. Adjusted estimates showed that these associations disappeared with the inclusion of the confounders (socio-economic, demographic, health, and pet-related variables). Our results suggest that there was no association between pet ownership and the mental health and well-being indicators measured in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M1, Canada
| | - Lucie Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marion Desmarchelier
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | - Hélène Carabin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M1, Canada
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Barcelos AM, Kargas N, Maltby J, Hall S, Assheton P, Mills DS. Theoretical Foundations to the Impact of Dog-Related Activities on Human Hedonic Well-Being, Life Satisfaction and Eudaimonic Well-Being. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:12382. [PMID: 34886109 PMCID: PMC8656591 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cross-sectional comparisons of well-being between dog owners and non-owners commonly generate inconsistent results. Focusing on the uniqueness of the relationship might help address this issue and provide a stronger foundation for dog-related psychotherapeutic interventions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of dog-related activities (e.g., exercising the dog) on owner hedonic well-being, life satisfaction and eudaimonic well-being. It was also hypothesised that psychological closeness to the dog would affect these well-being outcomes. For this study, 1030 dog owners aged over 18 years old answered an online questionnaire about the impact of 15 groups of dog-related activities on their well-being. Ordinal regressions were used to estimate the mean response (and its uncertainty) for each outcome, while conditioning for psychological closeness to the dog and controlling for several key covariates. Tactile interactions and dog playing were significantly more beneficial than other activities for hedonic well-being, and dog training and dog presence for eudaimonic well-being. In contrast, dog health issues and behavioural problems were linked to decrements in these well-being outcomes. Higher psychological closeness to the dog predicted greater improvement in well-being in positive dog-related activities. Our quantitative study validates the general findings of previous qualitative work and lays the groundwork for future longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niko Kargas
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK;
| | - John Maltby
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
| | - Sophie Hall
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Phil Assheton
- Department of Statistics, StatsAdvice.com, Ltd., 10551 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Daniel S. Mills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK;
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