Spatial Aspects of Mortality Rates and Neighborhood Environmental Characteristics in Seoul Mega City Region, South Korea

Abstract

This study of the spatial patterns of standardized mortality rates (SMRs) in Seoul Mega City Region (SMCR) explores whether neighborhood characteristics affect mortality rates and identifies important determinants of spatial disparity in mortality rates in SMCR. Spatial patterns of mortality rates show a strong positive spatial autocorrelation, suggesting that mortality rates are spatially clustered. A spatial lag model and a GWR model were used to reflect the spatial aspect of mortality rates. The spatial lag model showed better model fitness by considering spatial dependence of mortality rates. It indicates that a higher level of residential deprivation, a less walkable environment, less economic affluence and less social participation are all associated with higher mortality rates with statistical significance. This study suggests that health and welfare policy could incorporate urban planning to consider the neighborhood factors which determine mortality rates in order to improve the health of neighborhood residents.