Walking the dog: Measurements, correlates and influence of dog walking on physical activity
Abstract
Strong evidence for the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and low U.S. prevalence of PA has resulted in an increased focus on promoting moderate intensity PA such as walking. Dog owners represent 40% of the population and may be a promising audience to increase population levels of physical activity. Therefore, understanding correlates of dog walking is crucial for designing effective PA interventions to encourage dog walking. For this dissertation, the researcher developed and tested the psychometric properties of a new instrument, the Dogs and WalkinG Survey (DAWGS), which assesses social cognitive factors related to dog walking. In addition to the DAWGS items, environmental correlates of dog walking were examined. Dog owners (N = 431) completed the Dogs and WalkinG Survey (Mage = 43.6 ± 12.3 years). Using logistic regression, linear regression, and structural equation modeling, individual, intrapersonal, and environmental correlates of dog walking status and weekly minutes of dog walking were examined. The association of dog walking with overall PA was also examined with linear and logistic regression. In the first study, DAWGS items demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability. Results also supported the factorial validity and invariance of DAWGS scales. In the second study it was found that self-efficacy for dog walking, dog-related outcome expectancies, family and dog social support, and neighborhood walking environment were positively associated with being a dog walker. Adult dog walkers were significantly more likely to meet PA guidelines than non-dog walkers (60.6% and 36.7%, respectively). Every 30 minute increase in dog walking was associated with a 24% greater odds of meeting PA guidelines by walking. In conclusion, current findings demonstrate that the DAWGS is a psychometrically sound tool to assess SCT constructs that may influence dog walking behaviors. In addition, multilevel factors consistent with a social ecological framework were positively associated with dog walking. Individuals are more likely to meet PA guidelines if they walk their dog(s) and engage in dog walking for longer duration.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Troped, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Public health
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