In:
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Wiley, Vol. 46, No. 12 ( 2010-12), p. 729-735
Abstract:
Objective: To determine whether adolescent health and well‐being are associated with having a pet in the household (any pet, or specifically dogs, cats or horses/ponies) or average daily time spent caring for/playing with pet(s). Methods: Design, setting and participants – Cross‐sectional data from the third wave of the Health of Young Victorians Study (HOYVS), a school‐based population study in Victoria, Australia. Predictors – Adolescent‐reported pet ownership and average daily time spent caring for/playing with pet(s). Outcomes – Self‐reported quality of life (KIDSCREEN); average 4‐day daily physical activity level from a computerised diary; parent‐proxy and self‐reported physical and psychosocial health status (PedsQL); measured BMI status (not overweight, overweight, obese) and blood pressure. Statistical Analysis – Regression methods, adjusted for socio‐demographic factors, and non‐parametric methods. Results: Household pet data were available for 928 adolescents (466 boys; mean age of 15.9 (SD 1.2) years). Most adolescents (88.7%) reported having a pet in their household. Of these, 75.1% reported no activity involving pets over the surveyed days. It appeared that neither owning a pet nor time spent caring for/playing with a pet was related, positively or negatively, to adolescent health or well‐being. Conclusions: Despite high rates of pet ownership, adolescents had little interaction with pets. It appears that owning a pet and time spent caring for/playing with a pet was not clearly associated with adolescents' health or well‐being.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1034-4810
,
1440-1754
DOI:
10.1111/jpc.2010.46.issue-12
DOI:
10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01830.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2010
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2007577-7
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