| This study focuses on the use of psycho-geodemographic profiling and geographic information system (GIS) methods to identify the census characteristics of communities in Southern Alberta that were more tolerant towards the mentally ill as measured by an existing attitude survey.; Results showed six distinct urban and two rural census profiles that described the attitudes of the population in those areas. The majority of the rural and urban profiles presented moderate attitudes towards the mentally ill, and their familiarity with the mentally ill was moderate to low. Of these profiles, one urban profile was identified as the most tolerant and receptive towards the mentally ill. This profile was characterized by individuals aged 35–69 years old with most members having lived in the area for 5 years. They had a high school education, and were predominately single, divorced, or widowed. This group was also characterized for the lack of children and youth and families with no children. The members of this profile predominately rented their homes had a low average annual household income and the work force was mainly in the health and retail industries. This profile had the largest Aboriginal population and the dominant visible minority group was Asian.; This study suggests that census profiles can be used as proxy indicators to identify geographical locations that have similar attitudes toward the mentally ill, so that the most tolerant communities could be chosen for new community mental health programs and the less receptive communities could be targeted for anti-stigma programs. |
