Impacts of weather abnormalities on to mental health problems related suicidal behaviours: an economic approach

Odabaşı S.

International Journal of Global Warming, vol.28, no.3, pp.260-274, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 28 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1504/ijgw.2022.126672
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Global Warming
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, INSPEC, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.260-274
  • Keywords: access to health services, climate change, health economics, suicide, unemployment, weather
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the impacts of climate variation on suicide rates in the USA by using county-level data on temperature, and mental health-related suicides between 2011 and 2020. In addition to climate factors, several socio-economic factors such as uninsured population rate, access to mental health providers, and unemployment rate are included to estimate their impacts on suicides. The estimation is separately performed for female, male and overall groups. The results indicate that while there is limited evidence of the impact of precipitation on suicidal behaviours, the average daily minimum air temperature is an important determinant of the suicides in the US counties.