The value of service dogs for people with severe ambulatory disabilities: a randomized controlled trial
Article Abstract:
Service dogs could provide substantial psychological benefits for people with ambulatory disabilities as well as reduce health care costs. Researchers evaluated the economic and psychological impact of providing a service dog to 48 people who had been in a wheelchair for at least two years. Half got their dog almost immediately and the other half (the control group) had to wait one year. Within six months of receiving a dog, the participants experienced greater self esteem, became more active in their communities and needed less assistance from other humans. At 12 months, the need for paid assistance dropped 68% and the need for unpaid assistance from friends and family members dropped 64%. Some of the participants were able to work part-time or attend school. Despite the high cost to train the dogs, service dogs could save their owners thousands of dollars a year in paid human assistance costs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Persons with chronic conditions: their prevalence and costs
Article Abstract:
An estimated one in three Americans suffers from a chronic medical condition and this could become a significant burden on the US health care system. Researchers used statistical databases to estimate the number of Americans who in 1987 had a chronic medical condition such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease or diabetes. At that time, about 90 million Americans fell into this category. Only 9 million were completely disabled by their condition, but health care costs still totalled $659 billion in 1990, including time lost from work. It is estimated that 100 million Americans were living with chronic diseases in 1995.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Prevalence of Disabilities and Associated Health Conditions Among Adults--United States, 1999
Article Abstract:
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, heart disease, and back or spinal problems are the major causes of disability in the US. About one-fifth of all adults are affected, including many working adults.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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