Reciprocal Health Effects of the Human-Animal Bond on Healthy Aging

I. Title and Abstract1.Title: Exploring The Reciprocal Health Effects Of The Human-Animal Bond on Healthy Aging2.Rationale: Since the early 1980’s, many studies have explored the potential physical and psychological health implications of human-animal interactions, many resulting in significant positive findings. The majority of these positive findings result from goal-directed interventions for specific health concerns in institutionalized settings. Studies regarding the health implications of pet ownership among the general community have been largely inconsistent in design and analysis and therefore evidence on this topic lacks consensus with positive, neutral and negative effects identified. Most studies rely on voluntary participation from relatively homogeneous populations rather than random sampling. Additionally, and most importantly, these studies fail to appropriately account for potential moderators of these results including income level/socioeconomic status, strength of the human-animal bond (HAB), level of external human social support, built environment, among others. 3.Hypothesis/Objectives: a.Hypothesis: The researchers hypothesize that caring for a pet in the presence of a strong human-animal bond (HAB) promotes healthy aging of community-dwelling humans and animals. We hypothesize that strong HAB promotes maintenance of proper nutrition status and physical functionality by supporting emotional well being (reduced perceptions of loneliness, improved sense of purpose and independence) and maintenance of healthy behaviors known to reduce the risk of chronic disease (physical activity, proper nutrition/hydration, and adherence to a daily schedule).b.Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact that the HAB has on healthy aging and chronic disease prevention among community-dwelling adults 45 and older in Durham County, NC. Secondary objectives include identifying 1) variables that moderate these impacts to inform the rigorous design of a large-scale longitudinal study of the effect of pet caretaking on healthy aging and chronic disease prevention and 2) opportunities to leverage the HAB to optimize benefits and minimize risks associated with pet ownership.4.Study Design: The proposed pilot study is a longitudinal cohort study that will partner with the Durham Community Health Assessment team to gather pet ownership and health outcome data from a random sampling of Durham county residents aged 45 and older. In addition to an original survey, validated tools will be used to measure specific variables including strength of the HAB, nutrition status, and level of perceived loneliness. Pet health information will be gathered via health and feeding practices questions included in the survey in addition to weight and body condition score of the animal. 5.Preliminary Data: Preliminary data suggest that Durham County pet owners benefit emotionally and physically from the relationship they have with their pet. In a small study of Durham County pet owners in the community, a high Emotional Health Impact (EHI) was found in 45.13% of human-animal relationships (31.86% moderate, and 9.73% low). Additionally, it was found that EHI increases with age of the (human) individual and is inversely related to household size. Health behavior impact (HBI) was scored by combining questions about actual physical activity, perceived impact of the pet on physical activity, as well as questions about nutrition and feeding practices. HBI had less significant results with 32.74% of human-animal relationships resulting in high HB (35.40% moderate, 24.78% low). However due to small sample size and relative homogeneity, these data are not statistically significant and further more rigorous data collection is needed.6.Expected Results: We expect pet ownership to have an overall beneficial effect on emotional well being and health behaviors of adults. Additionally, we expect the strength of these effects to be moderated by variables as listed above. 7.Budget and Timeline: The project is expected to be 2 years in duration and to require $35,150 in funding as outlined in the itemized budget and justification.8.Potential Impact for Human-Animal Bond: A majority of the evidence supporting HAB on human health is focused on animal assisted therapies in certain environments such as residential care facilities. Evidence regarding the health impacts of HAB for community-dwelling adults lacks consensus with positive, neutral and negative effects identified. Most studies of this type are cross-sectional in design and many fail to account for the potentially moderating effect of the strength of HAB. This pilot study aims to provide evidence of the moderating effect of HAB on health outcomes to support future funding of a rigorous longitudinal nationwide study.Master of Public Healt