Exploring human-pet bond, knowledge and attitudes among Malaysians on animal-assisted intervention to enhance health and well-being

Kong, San Ling (2023) Exploring human-pet bond, knowledge and attitudes among Malaysians on animal-assisted intervention to enhance health and well-being. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) has been commonly implemented in developed countries and the outcomes are positive in terms of psychological, physical and emotional health of the patients. However, AAI is poorly studied in Malaysia and pet ownership data in Malaysia is sparse. Hence, this study aimed to (i) explore human-pet bond through their self-reported interactions, (ii) investigate the perceived benefits and risks from human-pet interactions and (iii) determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of Malaysians towards AAI. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted and a total of 402 Malaysians participated in this study. Data collected were descriptively analysed and associations were determined using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Majority of the respondents were female (73.9%) and the survey consisted of a predominantly Chinese respondents (76.4%). Regarding their employment status, majority of the respondents were working (55.0%). Most of the respondents reported owning at least a pet (62.7%) and among the pet owners, most of them owned dogs (40.9%). Gender and employment status did not significantly affect the level of human-pet bond among pet owners. This study showed significant difference (p<0.05) between people with or without human-pet bond in the benefits and risks perception of human-pet interaction. Pet owners were shown to have a more favorable perception of benefits of human-pet interaction than non-pet owners while non-pet owners shown to have a higher level of risks perception of human-pet interaction compared to pet owners. No significant difference was observed between people with or without human-pet bond in the level of knowledge of Malaysians on the use of AAI to enhance their health and well-being. Regarding to attitudes of Malaysians on the use of AAI to enhance their health and well-being, significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between people with or without human-pet bond. Pet owners exhibited a more positive attitude than non-pet owners on the use of AAI to enhance health and well-being. In conclusion, people with human-pet bond shown to have a more favorable benefits perception towards human-pet interaction and a more positive attitude towards AAI to enhance health and well-being, indicating the importance of promoting pet ownership, which, in turn, can encourage AAI to be widely implemented in Malaysia, aligning with the One Health approach.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms Nurhaznita Mahmood
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2024 07:40
Last Modified:	20 Nov 2024 07:40
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2175

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