Aspects of health, physical/leisure activities, work and socio-demographics associated with pet ownership in Sweden.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Müllersdorf
Maria
M
Mälardalen University, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Eskilstuna/Västerås, Sweden. maria.mullersdorf@mdh.se
Granström
Fredrik
F
Sahlqvist
Lotta
L
Tillgren
Per
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D014937:Work