Spatial analysis of multivariate factors influencing suicide hotspots in urban Tamil Nadu

Clusters of suicide occur when there is a concentration of frequent incidents happening closely together in both time and space. Despite advancements in technology, there has been a persistent increase in suicide instances that has proven challenging to effectively manage. This research utilizes longitudinal and spatiotemporal data sourced from reports by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs and the Tamil Nadu government. The objective is to comprehensively examine the spatial dimension of suicide along with its influencing factors, employing scan statistics for the years 2020 and 2021. Hypothesis testing is conducted to compare hotspot and coldspot locations consistently identified within the study period of 2012-2021. To unravel the underlying causes of suicide within the consistent hotspot zone, a multivariate analysis approach is employed. Notably, this study highlights Madurai, a major city in Tamil Nadu, as a statistically significant and enduring hotspot for suicide. The analysis identifies economic factors as the primary catalyst for the escalating suicide rates in this hotspot region. This emphasizes the urgent need for increased attention to address this issue effectively. State-level assessment of suicide instances and its concerning factors, the restrictive measure of suicide instances due to availability of data sources. This study provides a roadmap that aims to assist health and governmental entities in formulating, strategizing, and implementing feasible preventive measures specifically tailored to curbing suicide incidents in urban Tamil Nadu.