Exploring cause-specific strategies for suicide prevention in India: A multivariate VARMA approach

Asian J Psychiatr. 2024 Feb:92:103871. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103871. Epub 2023 Dec 16.

Abstract

Efficiently predicting suicide rates aids resource allocation and response preparedness. This study investigates time-series data with multiple variables to model and forecast suicide events in India. Utilizing official suicide statistics (2001-2021), results highlight the superiority of the multivariate VARMA model over VAR and univariate ARIMA models. This approach uncovers overlooked patterns and a concerning upward trend in future Indian suicide incidents. The research provides insights that aid public health professionals in targeting high-need areas and enhancing readiness and suggests cause-specific preventive strategies to counter this trend.

Keywords: Forecasting model; Multivariate analysis; Preventive measures; Public health; Suicide rates; Time-series analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Suicide*
  • Time Factors