Exploring spatio-temporal patterns in mental health related emergency department use from children and adolescents

To understand the spatio-temporal patterns and associated risk factors with the frequency, we analyze records of mental health related emergency department (MHED) visits from youth. The data are extracted for the period 2002--2011 from the population-based, provincial health administrative data systems of Alberta, Canada. Guided by a descriptive analysis, we conduct generalized linear regression analyses of the counts of MHED visits from various health areas. Seasonal effects are examined via three different types of functions, including trigonometric functions. We specify the temporal correlation using an autoregressive model of order 1 and formulate the spatial correlation by a random effects model. Our analysis reveals a strong seasonal pattern and indicates that the MHED visit counts are significantly associated with age, gender, and a proxy for socio-economic status. The final statistical model may be used to forecast future MHED use and identify regions and groups at a higher risk to the MHEDs.