Association between pet ownership and physical activity levels, atopic conditions, and mental health in Singapore: a propensity score-matched analysis.

ABSTRACT: Although existing literature increasingly suggests a positive influence of pet ownership on human physical activity levels, results from many European, American, and Japanese studies have been inconsistent. How pet ownership impacts mental health and atopy is likewise controversial and whether distinct demographic subgroups experience differential effects is unclear. This cross-sectional study surveyed participants (n = 823) via a self-administered online questionnaire. Comparisons of outcomes between pet owners and non-pet owners with subgroup analyses were performed within a propensity score-matched subset (n = 566) of respondents. There were no differences in physical activity levels or mental health scores between pet owners and non-pet owners. In subgroup analyses, compared to non-pet

SUBMITTER: Goh YX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7670461 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature