Pet ownership and adolescent health: Cross-sectional population study

摘要: Objective: To determine whether adolescent health and well‐being are associated with having a pet in the household (any pet, or specifically dogs, cats horses/ponies) average daily time spent caring for/playing pet(s). Methods: Design, setting participants– Cross‐sectional data from third wave of Health Young Victorians Study (HOYVS), school‐based population study Victoria, Australia. Predictors– Adolescent‐reported ownership Outcomes – Self‐reported quality life (KIDSCREEN); 4‐day physical activity level computerised diary; parent‐proxy self‐reported psychosocial status (PedsQL); measured BMI (not overweight, obese) blood pressure. Statistical Analysis– Regression methods, adjusted for socio‐demographic factors, non‐parametric methods. Results: Household were available 928 adolescents (466 boys; mean age 15.9 (SD 1.2) years). Most (88.7%) reported their household. Of these, 75.1% no involving pets over surveyed days. It appeared that neither owning nor was related, positively negatively, to well‐being. Conclusions: Despite high rates ownership, had little interaction pets. appears not clearly adolescents'