Spatially clustered patterns of suicide mortality rates in South Korea: a geographically weighted regression analysis

Abstract Background Suicide mortality remains a global health concern, and community characteristics affect regional variations in suicide. This study investigated spatially clustered patterns of suicide mortality rates in South Korea and evaluated the impact of community factors on suicide. Methods Suicide mortality rates were estimated by sex, age group, and district, using the 2021 Cause of Death Statistics in South Korea from the MicroData Integrated Service. Community-determinant data for 2021 or the nearest year were collected from the Korean Statistical Information Service. The spatial autocorrelation of suicide by sex and age was examined based on Global Moran’s I index. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) was used to discern the influence of community determinants on suicide. Results Suicide mortality rates were significantly higher among men (40.64 per 100,000) and adults over the age of 65 years (43.18 per 100,000). The male suicide mortality rates exhibited strong spatial dependence, as indicated by a high global Moran’s I with p < 0.001, highlighting the importance of conducting spatial analysis. In the GWR model calibration, a subset of the community’s age structure, single-person household composition, access to mental healthcare centers, and unmet medical needs were selected to explain male suicide mortality. These determinants disproportionately increased the risk of male suicide, varying by region. The GWR coefficients of each variable vary widely across 249 districts: aging index (Q1:0.06–Q3:0.46), single-person households (Q1:0.22–Q3:0.35), psychiatric clinics (Q1:-0.20–Q3:-0.01), and unmet medical needs (Q1:0.09–Q3:0.14). Conclusions Community cultural and structural factors exacerbate regional disparities in suicide among men. The influencing factors exhibit differential effects and significance depending on the community, highlighting the need for efficient resource allocation for suicide. A regionally tailored approach is crucial for the effective control of the community’s mental health management system.