Residential Mobility and Severe Mental Illness: A Population-based Analysis

Abstract

This research uses population-based administrative data linking health service use to longitudinal postal code information to describe the residential mobility of individuals with a severe mental illness (SMI), schizophrenia. This group is compared to two cohorts, one with no mental illness, and one with a severe physical illness of inflammatory bowel disease. The percentage of individuals with one or more changes in postal code in a 3-year period is examined, along with measures of rural-to-rural regional migration and rural-to-urban migration. Demographic, socioeconomic, and health service use characteristics are examined as determinants of mobility. The odds of moving were twice as high for the SMI cohort as for either of the other two cohorts. There were no statistically significant differences in rural-to-rural or rural-to-urban migration among the cohorts. Marital status, income quintile, and use of physicians are consistent determinants of mobility. The results are discussed from the perspectives of health services planning and access to housing.

Application of Three Focused Cluster Detection Methods to Study Geographic Variation in the Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Manitoba, Canada

“…Because we relied on administrative rather than clinical data to identify the date of incidence cases, this date may not be entirely accurate. However, the diagnostic delay between symptom onset and diagnosis is short and residential mobility rates in Manitoba are low [43]. Further, most migration in North America occurs over short distances to adjacent neighborhoods [44,45;] therefore, it is unlikely that this affected the geographic mapping of our cases.…”

Beyond “Landscapes of Despair”: The need for new research on the urban environment, sprawl, and the community integration of persons with severe mental illness

“…Supporting this view is a recent analysis of the movement patterns of the population of persons residing in the province of Manitoba, Canada; this analysis indicated that people with severe mental illness were twice as likely as others to move to a different postal code within a threeyear period (Lix et al, 2006). The reality of frequent movement raises concern that people with mental illness may experience "displacement" as they relocate to new settings.…”

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cervical Cancer Screening Invitation Letters

“…Although residential mobility itself may not be a direct factor in a woman's health, changing one's address may lead to lack of continuity with a health care provider despite the total number of interactions with the health care system (Lix L et al, 2006). In Manitoba, Lix et al (2006) found that the odds of having at least one address change was associated with older age, gender (higher for males than females), marital status (higher for single and widowed individuals), income (higher for lower income), and the use of hospital and physician services (higher for those who used more services) (Lix L et al, 2006). Frequent changes in residence may also indicate financial instability which may influence the use of screening services (Lix L et al, 2006).…”

“…In Manitoba, Lix et al (2006) found that the odds of having at least one address change was associated with older age, gender (higher for males than females), marital status (higher for single and widowed individuals), income (higher for lower income), and the use of hospital and physician services (higher for those who used more services) (Lix L et al, 2006). Frequent changes in residence may also indicate financial instability which may influence the use of screening services (Lix L et al, 2006).…”

“…Within the city of Winnipeg, a single postal code occupies a small area such as one side of a residential block or a medium-sized apartment building (Lix L et al, 2006). Outside of Winnipeg, postal codes cover a larger geographic area (Lix L et al, 2006). …”