THE PERCEPTIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS REGARDING APPLICATION OF ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY IN PAKISTAN, A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objective
To assess the perception, potential benefits and perceived barriers in the application of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Pakistan.

 Methodology
This phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from January to February 2020. Data was collected from psychologists and psychiatrists working in Peshawar via individual interviews.10 psychiatrists and 11 psychologists were included by purposive sampling. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis of the transcripts was done.

 Results
The majority of mental health experts (n=15, 71.4%) were completely unaware about AAT.  Potential benefits of AAT identified by the participants included reduction in depression, stress and intrusive thoughts. Sociocultural barriers, particularly associated with the use of dogs, were identified to be a major barrier in the application of AAT in Pakistan by 9 (42.9%) participants. Zoonotic infections were believed to be a major risk followed by physical harm caused by the animal but 42.9% (n=9) of the participants were unable to identify any risks associated with AAT. Most participants (n=15, 71.4%) were not willing to consider AAT as a treatment option in their work place, reasons majorly being the experts were not animal friendly themselves, or the unwillingness of patients. Only 28.6% (n=6) of the experts were willing to offer AAT if given the opportunity.

Conclusion
There is a lack of awareness regarding AAT among the mental health professionals in Peshawar which is needs to be improve in the context of its international use in the treatment of mental and physical illnesses.