Spatial non-parametric Bayesian clustered coefficients

Abstract

In the field of population health research, understanding the similarities between geographical areas and quantifying their shared effects on health outcomes is crucial. In this paper, we synthesise a number of existing methods to create a new approach that specifically addresses this goal. The approach is called a Bayesian spatial Dirichlet process clustered heterogeneous regression model. This non-parametric framework allows for inference on the number of clusters and the clustering configurations, while simultaneously estimating the parameters for each cluster. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm using simulated data and further apply it to analyse influential factors affecting children’s health development domains in Queensland. The study provides valuable insights into the contributions of regional similarities in education and demographics to health outcomes, aiding targeted interventions and policy design.