one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to evaluate any significant(p < 0.05) differences in the independent variables between the overall sample of pet ownersand non-pet owners (Hypothesis 1).
Also conducted on data regarding effects of companionships. Differences between cat and dog ownership were assessed in multiple one-way Anovas. A step wide regression was used to evaluate pet ownership and other independent variables as predictors for the outcome of variables.
Age was based on a continuous measure ranging from 18–70 but later recoded into4 categories (1 = 18–30, 2 = 31–40, 3 = 41–60, and 4 = >61 years old
Gender, marital status, highest level of education, area of residence .
Independent Variables. This study included several independent variables relatedto pet ownership, type of companionship, type of pet, and demographic characteristics
were not measured Likert-Style
Outcome Measures. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) [ 30]measured mental wellbeing using 14 positively phrased Likert-style scale (
was consistent with original reliability (0.91) similar studies reported reliability (0.90)
Upon accessing the URL linked to by the QR code, participants were asked to readthrough an information page
Introduced the aims of the study , there was a consent form that reminded participants of their rights, assuring anonymity and right to withdraw anytime. Participants would then be directed to the survey. It concluded with a debriefing page.
he sampling frame included adults from all Malaysian states and federal territories.The survey was available in both English and Bahasa Malaysia to encourage participation
They collected data remotely by using the internet and online surveys. Posters with QR codes were placed strategically in areas that most go to.
The single proportionformula [29 ] was used to estimate the optimal sample size, with a 95% confidence leveland based on Malaysia’s population of 32.7 million (as estimated by the Department ofStatistics Malaysia) at the time of the study.
920 responses were collected, 224 were pet owners. To get an equal size of non-pet -owners 224 non per owners were randomly selected using SPSS's "selects cases function of the remaining pool of participants. Final sample size: 488 122 dog owners, 80 cat owners= inconsistent with reports from pervious study.
The novelty of the project, therefore, stems from two perspectives
two perspectives- limited research impact of social isolation on mental health and wellbeing in Malaysia and Lack of data on human- animal interactions
The studies previously attempted to be conducted suffered because of inconsistencies, small sample sizes and tend to have a specific target group.
he Department of Statistical Malaysia (DOSM)published the country’s demographic structure in the first quarter of 2021 showing apopulation in Malaysia of 32.75 million, with 16.83 million males and 15.92 million females
The study investigated the impact of pets on mental health and wellbeing and Malaysia during 2020. They wanted to see the effects during the prolong imposed Isolation.
According to a studyin Putrajaya, which is a federal territory city in Malaysia, almost 50% of households keptpets, with 71% cats, 14% fish, and only 1.3% dogs [ 20 ].
This varied due to living situations, and cats are easier to be kept in apartments. In the study conducted there were more dog owners than cat owners. They wanted to see if there were any differences in mental health between dog and cat owners.
western samples shows that animals often have positive impact on human mentaland physical health in general
In the west there are many studies and findings that state that pets have a better influence on mental health. But in South East Asia there are not as much findings and are limited.