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Physical Health Outcomes of a Community Dog Walking Program: Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound
A total of 281 people participated in the study; the majority of participants were women (n = 225; men n = 56). Participation was measured in number of weeks data were collected for each participant. The average number of weeks participated was 3.91 (n = 280, SD = 3.74) and ranged from one to 25 weeks. A regression analysis found the independent variable of number of weeks participated accounted for a significant amount of the variance (η2 = .079) in BMI change score, F(1, 242) = 21.9, p < .001. A regression analysis found the independent variable of number of weeks participated accounted for a significant amount of the variance (η2 = .032) in PASOC change score F(1, 255) = 8.441, p = .004.
Results suggested involvement in the program was associated with decreased BMI and an increase in the behavioral intention to exercise. The WAHLAP model has the potential to be implemented and to benefit the well-being of a wide range of communities.
Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public healthPublic health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Describe the physical benefits of community members engaged in a weekly shelter dog walking program
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Dr. Rebecca Johnson, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP is the Millsap Professor of Gerontological Nursing and Public Policy at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing, an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and is director of the Research Center for Human Animal Interaction (ReCHAI). Her work in the area of the health benefits of human-companion animal interaction aims to facilitate well-being for humans and animals.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.