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A Machine Learning Perspective on the Climatic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Mental Health in Southeast Asia

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  • Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen

    (School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
    Atmospheric Pollution and Climate Research Unit, School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand)

  • Nichapa Parasin

    (School of Allied Health Science, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand)

Abstract

The growing burden of mental health disorders necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their environmental and socioeconomic determinants. This study employs machine learning to analyze the relationship between mental health mortality and key socioeconomic and climatic factors across Southeast Asia. Using a Random Forest model (R 2 = 0.95), we identify the population size and the Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) as the strongest predictors of mental health mortality, while climate indices—the proportion of warm nights (TN90p) and hot days (TX90p)—exhibit weaker direct effects (importance < 0.1), but significant indirect effects through socioeconomic pathways. The regional disparities highlight Indonesia as the most climate-sensitive country, whereas the Philippines shows weaker climate–mortality correlations, suggesting that its socioeconomic resilience and healthcare infrastructure can mitigate climate impacts. These findings underscore the need for integrated climate–mental health strategies, particularly for vulnerable regions experiencing extreme temperatures and socioeconomic stressors.

Suggested Citation

  • Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen & Nichapa Parasin, 2025. "A Machine Learning Perspective on the Climatic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Mental Health in Southeast Asia," World, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-27, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:48-:d:1631242
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joshua Graff Zivin & Matthew Neidell, 2014. "Temperature and the Allocation of Time: Implications for Climate Change," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 32(1), pages 1-26.
    2. Helen Berry & Kathryn Bowen & Tord Kjellstrom, 2010. "Climate change and mental health: a causal pathways framework," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 55(2), pages 123-132, April.
    3. Katie Hayes & Peter Berry & Kristie L. Ebi, 2019. "Factors Influencing the Mental Health Consequences of Climate Change in Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-13, May.
    4. Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen & Jirarat Inkom & Radshadaporn Janta & Vanisa Surapipith, 2020. "Long Range Transport of Southeast Asian PM2.5 Pollution to Northern Thailand during High Biomass Burning Episodes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-14, December.
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