Space, time and illness behavior

Abstract

This paper explores the organization of space and time, posits associations between them and illness behavior, and presents a framework for comprehensive medical geographical investigation. Components of a model of illness behavior are examined as they relate to the ecological/functional and ecological/behavioral aspects of territoriality. Identity with one's surroundings and spatial and temporal organization are discussed for pertinence to differential perception, evaluation, and treatment of illness. The implications of these are subsequently related to confounding factors in medical sampling and observed patterns of disease.