Determinants of geographic mobility among participants in a population-based HIV/AIDS drug treatment program

This study was undertaken to determine the geographic distribution and patterns of migration of persons with HIV in British Columbia. Our analysis was restricted to all HIV-positive men and women aged 18 years and over who had completed a participant survey and were enrolled in the HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program between September 1992 and September 1997. Patterns of migration were determined by examining participants whose postal code changed between July 1995 and September 1997. Statistical analysis were carried out using both parametric and non-parametric methodologies. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine baseline predictors of migration. The final multivariate model revealed that residing in a census subdivision with a population less than 100,000, being heterosexual, acquiring HIV through intravenous drug use, and the absence of AIDS at baseline were all independently associated with moving census subdivisions during the period of observation. In summary, our analyses demonstrate the need for the continued study of the evolving geography and migration patterns of persons with HIV.