Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Suicide-Related Emergency Calls Over a 11-Year Period in the Valencian Community, Spain (2013-2023).
TL;DR
The observed spatial clustering, sociodemographic correlates, and strong seasonal peaks in suicide-related calls highlight the importance of incorporating spatio-temporal evidence into the design of timely, place-based suicide prevention and community response efforts.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide is a complex public health issue influenced by a range of psychological, social, and environmental factors. It displays marked spatial and temporal variation, with certain regions consistently experiencing higher rates, while temporal trends fluctuate over years and seasons. Understanding both dimensions is important; therefore, adopting a spatio-temporal approach enables a more comprehensive analysis. METHODOLOGY Geocode data on suicide-related calls (N = 82,816) from the Valencian Community, Spain, between 2013 and 2023 were provided by the Valencian Regional Government. We used a Bayesian spatio-temporal Poisson regression modeling with an integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of suicide-related calls.
Results
The study revealed a higher incidence of suicide-related calls in urban areas with a lower aging index, greater residential instability, and a higher percentage of one-person households. A clear seasonal pattern emerged, with the fewest calls occurring in the winter months, particularly in February, and most calls occurring from May to September. The spatial distribution of relative risk is presented in the corresponding map, highlighting marked geographic disparities.
Conclusion
The observed spatial clustering, sociodemographic correlates, and strong seasonal peaks in suicide-related calls highlight the importance of incorporating spatio-temporal evidence into the design of timely, place-based suicide prevention and community response efforts.