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Equine veterinary journal2023; doi: 10.1111/evj.13955

Use of human behaviour change models to investigate horse owner intention to adopt emergency colic recommendations.

Abstract: Behavioural models are widely used within human medicine to understand beliefs and intention associated with major health interventions. Objective: To investigate horse-owner beliefs and practices associated with emergency colic planning. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: An online survey incorporating the Trans-Theoretical Model of behaviour change and the Theory of Planned Behaviour was developed to assess owner intention to adopt three areas of emergency colic planning: (1) prevention/recognition, (2) involvement of others and (3) personal preparation. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling strategy; multivariable logistic regression of data was performed. Results: There were 701 horse-owners who completed the survey. Respondents fell into one of two categories: no intention to adopt or already implementing emergency planning recommendations. Most agreed that emergency colic plans would improve their horse's welfare (68%) and aid in decision making (78%). Most disagreed that colic was inevitable (66%) and that treatment options were not within their control (69%). Multivariable analysis showed that those who believed emergency plans were worth creating were more likely to adopt preventive (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.27-4.30, p = 0.007) and personal preparation (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.31-1.97, p < 0.001) recommendations. Preventive recommendations were also associated with 'REACT' campaign awareness (OR 2.36, 95% CI: 1.40-3.97, p = 0.001). Favourable behavioural beliefs, such as the acknowledgement of welfare and decision-making benefits, were linked to the involvement of others in planning (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.78-4.81, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Potential response bias and small sample size. Conclusions: The majority of owners were either unwilling to adopt suggested recommendations or believed that their approach was currently sufficient. Most owners perceived veterinary professionals as most influential on their decision to plan for a colic emergency, highlighting their importance in any educational campaign.
© 2023 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2023-05-25 PubMed ID: 37227166DOI: 10.1111/evj.13955Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper investigates horse owners’ attitudes and practices related to emergency planning and response for horse colic. It uses models of human behavioural change to assess the willingness of these owners to implement proposed plans, highlighting various influencing factors and beliefs.

Research Objective

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to understand horse owners’ beliefs, practices, and intentions as regards emergency planning for horse colic. The study aimed to provide more insight into behavioural attitudes towards colic planning and preventive measures making use of two behavior model: the Trans-Theoretical Model of behavior change and the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Methods

  • An online survey was delivered to a selected group of horse owners, focusing on three areas of emergency colic planning: prevention and recognition of colic, involvement of others in the planning process, and personal preparation methods.
  • Participants in the study were engaged using a snowball sampling strategy. This approach is typically used when members of the population are difficult to locate.
  • The survey data was subsequently analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

  • A total of 701 horse owners completed the survey and were categorized under those with no intention to adopt the recommendations and those already employing some manner of emergency planning.
  • Majority of respondents agreed that having an emergency colic plan would improve their horse’s welfare and aid in decision-making during emergencies.
  • However, a significant number of horse owners disagreed that colic was inevitable or that the available treatment options were beyond their control.
  • The findings from the multivariable analysis showed that owners who believed in the value of emergency plans were more likely to adopt preventive and personal preparation recommendations.
  • The outcomes also suggested awareness of ‘REACT,’ a colic awareness campaign, enhanced the adoption of preventive recommendations.
  • Favourable behavioural beliefs, including acknowledgement of welfare provision and improved decision-making capacity, were associated with increasing involvement of others in emergency planning.

Conclusion

The study, though limited by potential response bias and a small sample, showed that most horse owners were either unwilling to adopt the suggested recommendations or believed their current approach was good enough. Veterinarians and other professional influencers had a significant effect on the owners’ choices, suggesting their critical role in promoting educational campaigns on colic emergency planning.

Cite This Article

APA
Lightfoot KL, Frost E, Burford JH, England GCW, Freeman SL. (2023). Use of human behaviour change models to investigate horse owner intention to adopt emergency colic recommendations. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13955

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Lightfoot, Katie L
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.
Frost, Ellie
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.
Burford, John H
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.
England, Gary C W
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.
Freeman, Sarah L
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.

Grant Funding

  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham
  • World Horse Welfare

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