Date of Award

5-11-2012

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Richard Rothenberg, M.D.

Second Advisor

Laura Salazar, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Dajun Dai, Ph.D.

Abstract

Studies from developing countries disagree on whether mobility is a risk factor or a protective factor for HIV risk. The difference is often determined by gender. Few studies exist, however, examining the relationship among high risk populations in developed nations. This study seeks to examine that relationship in 10 high risk ZIP codes of Atlanta, Georgia using data gathered from the Geography Project by Rothenberg and colleagues. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between HIV risk and five independent variables of mobility. Results were stratified by gender. After controlling for demographic and behavioral variables, use of public transportation by men was significantly protective of HIV risk. Significant associations were also observed with ever injection drug use and recent condom use, indicating that high risk behaviors may be the real driver of the epidemic in these neighborhoods.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/2746803

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