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Research Article


Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective

Eugênio Rodrigues Bezerra Junior, Sophia Omena Ribeiro, Evilda Rodrigues De Lima, Rita De Cássia Carvalho Maia, Jean Carlos Ramos Silva, José Wilton Pinheiro Junior.


Abstract
Background:
The One Health approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health, yet its relationship to the emotional bond between elderly pet guardians and veterinary professionals remains underexplored. Understanding this dynamic is essential for promoting both animal welfare and owners’ well-being.

Aim:
To evaluate the emotional bond between elderly pet guardians and animal health professionals within the One Health framework.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to February 2024 at the Veterinary Hospital (HVU) of UFRPE. Participants included 66 elderly pet owners (>60 years) seeking veterinary care and all hospital professionals. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively.

Results:
Most guardians were women (62.1%), aged 60–69 years (77.7%), and 89.3% owned dogs. Additionally, 60.6% had pets for over five years, and 77.3% were first-time owners. A strong emotional bond was observed, with 92.4% reporting improved mental health due to pet companionship. Despite this, 65.5% were unaware of the One Health concept, though all expressed interest in learning more. Among professionals, 100% recognized the guardians’ emotional dependence on pets, and 53.1% considered this bond beneficial.

Conclusion:
Elderly pet guardians demonstrate a strong emotional connection with their animals, positively impacting mental health. However, knowledge of One Health is limited, underscoring the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance awareness and support holistic well-being in this population.

Key words: Companion animals; Elderly health; Health education; One Health.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Junior ERB, Ribeiro SO, Lima ERD, Maia RDCC, Silva JCR, Junior JWP. Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective. Open Vet. J.. 2025; 15(12): 6306-6315. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14

Web Style

Junior ERB, Ribeiro SO, Lima ERD, Maia RDCC, Silva JCR, Junior JWP. Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective. https://www.openveterinaryjournal.com/?mno=276925 [Access: January 01, 2026]. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Junior ERB, Ribeiro SO, Lima ERD, Maia RDCC, Silva JCR, Junior JWP. Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective. Open Vet. J.. 2025; 15(12): 6306-6315. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Junior ERB, Ribeiro SO, Lima ERD, Maia RDCC, Silva JCR, Junior JWP. Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective. Open Vet. J.. (2025), [cited January 01, 2026]; 15(12): 6306-6315. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14


Harvard Style

Junior, E. R. B., Ribeiro, . S. O., Lima, . E. R. D., Maia, . R. D. C. C., Silva, . J. C. R. & Junior, . J. W. P. (2025) Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective. Open Vet. J., 15 (12), 6306-6315. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14


Turabian Style

Junior, Eugênio Rodrigues Bezerra, Sophia Omena Ribeiro, Evilda Rodrigues De Lima, Rita De Cássia Carvalho Maia, Jean Carlos Ramos Silva, and José Wilton Pinheiro Junior. 2025. Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective. Open Veterinary Journal, 15 (12), 6306-6315. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14


Chicago Style

Junior, Eugênio Rodrigues Bezerra, Sophia Omena Ribeiro, Evilda Rodrigues De Lima, Rita De Cássia Carvalho Maia, Jean Carlos Ramos Silva, and José Wilton Pinheiro Junior. "Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective." Open Veterinary Journal 15 (2025), 6306-6315. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Junior, Eugênio Rodrigues Bezerra, Sophia Omena Ribeiro, Evilda Rodrigues De Lima, Rita De Cássia Carvalho Maia, Jean Carlos Ramos Silva, and José Wilton Pinheiro Junior. "Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective." Open Veterinary Journal 15.12 (2025), 6306-6315. Print. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Junior, E. R. B., Ribeiro, . S. O., Lima, . E. R. D., Maia, . R. D. C. C., Silva, . J. C. R. & Junior, . J. W. P. (2025) Analysis of the emotional bond perception between elderly guardians and health professionals with companion animals in the one health perspective. Open Veterinary Journal, 15 (12), 6306-6315. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.14


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