The application of geographic information system in the study of the epidemiology of suicide

บทคัดย่อ

Objective It aimed to construct the database consisting of both spatial and attribute data for the areas of suicide risk by applying the geographic information system and study epidemiology of suicide.

Materials and methods The data were derived from suicide data from death certificates issued by Bureau of Policy and Strategy of Ministry of Public Health, from 2003 to 2007, Base maps from 2007 from The National Statistical Office Thailand.

Results Research findings indicated that from 2003 to 2007 there were 20,091 people who committed suicide, more males than females of the ratio 3:1; mostly 30-39 years of age followed by 20-29 years of age. The provinces that people committed suicides and their domicile had the same suicide risk area were Lamphun, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. Suicide in Chiang Mai revealed 1,431 cases; more males than females of The ratio 4:1; mostly 30-39 years of age followed by 40-49 years old. The months with the highest number of suicide were June (10.41%) followed closely by August (10.20%). The five districts with the highest numbers of suicide in the five year period were Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Amphoe Phang, Amphoe San Kam Phaeng, AmphoeDoi Sa Ket, Amphoe Mae Taeng, respectively.

Conclusion Geographic information system can apply with health database consisting of both spatial and attribute data. From the research findings distribute of suicide in areas with simplify presentation in form colors and maps. Information helps plan to reduce rate of suicide effciently.