Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Jody Decker

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

The primary objective of this thesis is to examine mobility patterns of people with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in terms of where they go for testing, treatment and support. The secondary objective is to examine and describe spatial variations in the prevalence of AIDS among the forty-two Public Health Units (PHUs) of Ontario, and to explain the processes underlying these patterns. An assessment of the spatial perspective will be completed utilizing two contributors. The first employs the process of interviewing the AIDS Educators at the Ontario PHUs and capturing their impressions as to what is occurring within their areas regarding AIDS and other related issues with a focus on the mobility patterns of the ADS patients. The second aspect is to examine and discuss the results of mapping the ADS prevalence rates from 1990 to 1999, at the PHU level. The major findings from the research are as follows. First, by conducting the interviews it was possible to examine the mobility patterns for people affected and infected by AIDS, in terms of where they go for testing, treatment and support. For the most part, people are leaving less urbanized areas to go to more urbanized areas for testing, treatment and support. Second, the research completed with the Educators allowed an examination of what processes are hindering and/or furthering the spread of AIDS within Ontario. There are great inconsistencies throughout the province contributing to and counteracting the spread of HIV/AIDS. A sense of invincibility appears to prevail in most areas of the province. Third, the mapping of the prevalence rates allowed general patterns and processes to be observed. The spatial variations of the prevalence rates showed areas with high prevalence rates attracting people from the surrounding areas. Mobility patterns, the provision of support facilities and the relative location of PHUs in terms of how close they are to other PHUs with high prevalence rates also influenced the spatial variations of the prevalence rates.

Convocation Year

2001

Convocation Season

Spring

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