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

Lightfoot, Katie L.; Frost, Ellie; Burford, John H.; England, Gary C. W.; Freeman, Sarah L.

Abstract

Background
Behavioural models are widely used within human medicine to understand beliefs and intention associated with major health interventions.

Objectives
To investigate horse-owner beliefs and practices associated with emergency colic planning.

Study design
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).

Main limitations
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.

Citation

Lightfoot, K. L., Frost, E., Burford, J. H., England, G. C. W., & Freeman, S. L. (2024). Use of human behaviour change models to investigate horse owner intention to adopt emergency colic recommendations. Equine Veterinary Journal, 56(1), 147-158. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13955

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 5, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 25, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024-01
• Deposit Date: Mar 10, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 13, 2025
• Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
• Print ISSN: 0425-1644
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-3306
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 56
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 147-158
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13955
• Keywords: behaviour change , colic, decision-making, emergency, horse, owner, planning
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/21112818
• Publisher URL: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.13955