Factors associated with furry pet ownership among patients with asthma.
BACKGROUND
Exposure to indoor allergens is an established risk factor for poor asthma control. Current guidelines recommend removing pets from the home of patients with asthma.


OBJECTIVE
This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of furry pet ownership in asthmatics compared to non-asthmatics and to identify factors associated with furry pet ownership among those with asthma. Secondary analysis assessed characteristics among asthmatics that might be associated with allowing a furry pet into the bedroom.


METHODS
Using data from The National Asthma Survey collected from 2003 to 2004, we carried out univariate and multiple regression analyses, in 2009, to identify independent predictors of furry pet ownership in asthma sufferers after controlling for potential confounders.


RESULTS
Overall, asthmatics were more likely to own a furry pet than nonasthmatic individuals in the general population (49.9% versus 44.8%, p < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex, older age, white race, and high income were independent predictors of furry pet ownership among asthmatics. Additionally, 68.7% of patients with asthma who own a furry pet allowed them into their bedroom. Higher income and carrying out < or =2 environmental control practices in the home were associated with increased likelihood of allowing a furry pet into the bedroom.


CONCLUSIONS
Furry pet ownership is equally or more common among asthmatics compared to those without asthma. The majority of asthmatics with furry pets allow them into the bedroom. Recognizing and addressing these problems may help decrease asthma morbidity.
Downes
Martin J
MJ
Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, Veterinary Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. martin.downes@ucd.ie
Roy
Angkana
A
McGinn
Thomas G
TG
Wisnivesky
Juan P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010067:Ownership