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Aspects of health, physical/leisure activities, work and socio-demographic data associated with pet ownership in Sweden

¹ Mälardalen University, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Eskilstuna/Västerås, Sweden
² R&D Centre/Centre for Clinical Research, Sörmland County Council, Eskilstuna, Sweden

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: maria.mullersdorf{at}mdh.se.

	Abstract

Aims: The aim of the work presented here was to explore differences between pet owners and non-pet-owners concerning aspects of health, physical/leisure activities, work and socio-demographics. Methods: The study was based on nationally representative data from the Swedish population (n = 43,589). Associations between pet ownership and background variables were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 39,995 respondents were included in the analysis (non-pet-owners = 25,006; pet owners = 14,989). Pet ownership was associated with both positive and negative aspects of health, physical/leisure activities and socio-demographics. Pet owners had better general health but suffered more from mental health problems than non-pet-owners. Their leisure activities involved a greater interest in nature life and/or gardening than those of non-pet-owners. The logistic regression analysis showed that people who were self-employed, in the age range 35 to 49, of female sex, and suffering from pain in the head, neck and shoulders were more likely to own a pet than others. People physically active at a level sufficient to have a positive effect on their health more often owned a pet than people who were less active. Conclusions: Pet owners differ from non-pet-owners in aspects of socio-demographics, health, physical/leisure activities and work situation. This study, based on a general regional population in Sweden, showed differences of both a positive and a negative kind between non-pet-owners and pet owners concerning aspects of health, physical and leisure activities, and work situation.

First published on August 28, 2009
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health 2009, doi:10.1177/1403494809344358


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