Bayesian semi-parametric spatial modeling of dispersed count data with INLA: applications in public health and climate risk
摘要
Modeling spatial count data can be challenging when it exhibits complicated geographic relationships, non-linear trends, or asymmetrical dispersion. To address these issues, we present a versatile Bayesian framework that combines a count model with semi-parametric regression and is based on renewal theory. Our method uses Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) and provides coherent posterior uncertainty (credible and predictive intervals) along with fast and accurate results. We evaluate our model using three real-world scenarios. Initially, we employ the dataset of Mackerel egg counts, a benchmark in spatial statistics, to validate the reliability of our model. Subsequently, we examine a novel dataset concerning lung and bronchus cancer mortality in Iowa, correlating environmental variables such as ozone, PM2.5, and green space with health outcomes. We analyze precipitation patterns in Alberta, Canada, utilizing May 2024 data on days with