Spatial and Temporal Analysis of the Ambulatory Cases in Riyadh City during the Period (2016 – 2020)

Abstract

Objectives: This study addresses the spatial and temporal characteristics of emergency cases in Riyadh for the period (2016-2020), determining the patterns of spread of emergency cases spatially and temporally, analyzing the relationship between the occurrence of emergency cases and the factors causing them, and identifying the risk areas of emergency cases using the most important risk factors for the occurrence of cases.

Methods: The study relied on GIS technologies, spatial statistical analysis through the application of a set of spatial analytical tools such as Moran index analysis, weighted geographical regression to analyze the factors causing emergency cases in the city, kernel analysis to determine the intensity and concentration of cases.

Results: The study revealed that emergency cases were concentrated in residential, commercial, and government areas, as well as on main city roads, primarily in the Northeast and Southwest. Population density strongly correlated with ambulatory case increases, and statistical analysis showed a significant clustering of cases using the Moran index (Moran's I). High-density areas for ambulatory cases were identified in the northeastern, central, and southwestern neighborhoods, tapering off towards the periphery. The highest number of ambulance cases (out of 633,125 analyzed) occurred in the evening during peak hours (4:00 pm-11:59 pm), on weekends, and during spring and autumn. There was a weak correlation between high average temperature and precipitation and increased ambulance case rates.

Conclusions: The study recommends creating a city-wide GIS-based decision support system to manage and reduce emergency cases, guide ambulance responses to accidents, and address recurring case clusters.