The Changes of the Awareness on Service Dogs among Social Welfare Students

Abstract

Objective: The awareness regarding service dogs among social welfare students was investigated and reported in 2016, yet, it has not been reinvestigated for two and a half years. Therefore, we conducted a resurvey on the awareness of social welfare students concerning service dogs in order to promote awareness regarding service dogs. Method: In October 2018, questionnaires were given to social welfare students in the same university investigated before. Results: Two hundred and sixty-nine students answered the questionnaire (the response ratio: 81.3%). The awareness of hearing dogs (48.7%, p<0.001), that of the law concerning service dogs for disabled (34.9%, p<0.01), and the experiences encountering service dogs (88.1%, p<0.01) were significantly increased from those in 2016, respectively. The first recognition of service dogs occurred for elementary school students (54.9%), junior high school students (26.1%), senior high school students (12.1%), and university students (6.4%), namely 81.0% during compulsory education. Discussion: Awareness regarding serviced dogs was improved over two and a half years. Therefore, enlightenment and educational activities regarding service dogs should be conducted continually. In addition, education regarding service dogs will be more practical when conducted during compulsory education. Conclusion: Awareness regarding service dogs among social welfare students has improved. The practice of education and enlightenment regarding service dogs may promote understanding among not only social welfare students but also the general population.