SP699THE INFLUENCE OF DOG OWNERSHIP ON GENERAL HEALTH AND HABITUAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction and Aims: The recent Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association on Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk emphasized that there is a critical need for novel strategies and interventions that can potentially reduce the risk of CVD and its attendant morbidity and mortality. Dog ownership is associated with every day involvement in caring for animals. Taking a dog for a walk forces its owner to take additional physical activity, which may be of particular importance for dialysis patients although that issue has never been investigated in this population. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between pet ownership and cardiovascular disease, with many reporting benefits. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of pet ownership on health and habitual physical activity in hemodialysis patients. Methods: 270 chronic hemodialysis patients (172 male, 98 female, mean age 62.7±14.0 years) took part in a survey that focused on their general health and physical activity. The questions concerned demographic data, duration of dialysis, life related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, nicotine dependence. The patients were asked to assess their physical activity, current physical activity and their pet ownership status. The collected data were analyzed with respect to pet ownership. Results: Mean time on dialysis was 4±5 years. Arterial hypertension was diagnosed in 197 patients (73%), diabetes in 197 (36%). 53 were active smokers (20%). 219 (81%) of the patients were mobile. Osteoarthritis was diagnosed in 78 patients (29%). 116 participants had dog at home (43%). Additional physical activity, was reported by 46 dog owners (40%) compared with 34 (23%) of non-owners ( p=0.002). Patients who often go for a walk without the special need, were more often pet owners 49 (57%) than non-owners (n=37, 43%; p=0.004). Pet owners were younger that non-owners (58.3 ±13.6 vs. 66±13.5 years). Dog owners were dialysed for longer time than non-owners (5.0±6.5 vs. 3.5±3.7 years; p=0.02). The patients who reported no additional physical activity were older than patients who reported it (65±12.4 vs. 58±16.6 years; p=0.001). Mean BMI was similar in both groups. Patients with BMI from upper tertile (>27.5 kg/ m2) and from lower tertile (<23.9) were more often dog owners than those from the middle tertile (52.9%, 43.7% and 31.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Dog ownership appears to positively influence the level of physical activity among dialysis patients. Age but not time on dialysis seems to be the most important factor which restricts physical activity in dialysis patients and influences a decision to own a pet.