Factors Influencing Dog Ownership in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Darryn L. Knobel, Karen M. Laurenson, Rudovick R. Kazwala, Lisa A. Boden, Sarah Cleaveland
Primary Institution: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with dog ownership in households across urban and rural communities in Tanzania?
Conclusion
The study found that dog ownership in Tanzania is influenced by factors such as household wealth, livestock ownership, and the gender of the household head.
Supporting Evidence
- 14% of surveyed households owned dogs, with an average of 2.4 dogs per dog-owning household.
- Dog ownership was highest in inland rural areas (24%) and lowest in coastal urban communities (7%).
- Households with livestock were significantly more likely to own dogs.
Takeaway
In Tanzania, more men own dogs than women, and families with livestock are more likely to have dogs. This helps in planning for rabies vaccination programs.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 12 study sites in Tanzania, interviewing 1,471 households.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported data on dog ownership and household characteristics.
Limitations
The study may not capture all cultural factors influencing dog ownership due to its focus on specific regions.
Participant Demographics
Households from both urban and rural areas in Tanzania were surveyed, with a mix of socio-economic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.7–7.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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