A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia

Suicide is a significant global public health issue, and Malaysia is no exception, with a high incidence rate. On average, approximately 10 suicide deaths occur daily in the country, alongside numerous attempted suicides. Hence, the key indicators for suicidal ideation should be identified so that c...

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Main Authors: Chan, Sin Yin, Ch’ng, Chee Keong
Format: Article
Language:en
Published: Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2025
Online Access:http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26412/1/Paper_4%20-.pdf
http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26412/
https://www.ukm.my/jqma/
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author Chan, Sin Yin
Ch’ng, Chee Keong
author_facet Chan, Sin Yin
Ch’ng, Chee Keong
author_sort Chan, Sin Yin
building Tun Sri Lanang Library
collection Institutional Repository
content_provider Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
content_source UKM Journal Article Repository
continent Asia
country Malaysia
description Suicide is a significant global public health issue, and Malaysia is no exception, with a high incidence rate. On average, approximately 10 suicide deaths occur daily in the country, alongside numerous attempted suicides. Hence, the key indicators for suicidal ideation should be identified so that communities can be aware of the characteristics of suicide attempters and assist them. Therefore, this study aims to develop predictive models using four predictive techniques, which are Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Artificial Neural Network and Random Forest to anticipate suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia. By analysing key indicators, such as demographic, socio-economic, and psychological factors, the model seeks to enable proactive intervention and support for vulnerable individuals. A total of 33 predictive models are generated and evaluated based on their performance using the misclassification rate. Among these models, Gini decision tree models with 2 and 3 branches (80:20) showed superior performance, with the lowest misclassification rate recorded at 19.44%. Consequently, the model with 2 branches is selected for its practicality and accuracy in identifying vulnerable individuals. Early intervention is crucial in identifying and supporting young adults at risk of suicidal ideation. The developed predictive model offers valuable insights for proactive intervention and support, aiding in prevention efforts and reducing the prevalence of suicide. It carries significant policy implications for suicide prevention in Malaysia, enabling targeted intervention strategies for vulnerable young adults. By prioritising resources based on the identified risk factors, policymakers can enhance mental health support systems and prevent tragic outcomes.
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spelling my-ukm.journal.264122026-01-19T02:59:55Z http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26412/ A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia Chan, Sin Yin Ch’ng, Chee Keong Suicide is a significant global public health issue, and Malaysia is no exception, with a high incidence rate. On average, approximately 10 suicide deaths occur daily in the country, alongside numerous attempted suicides. Hence, the key indicators for suicidal ideation should be identified so that communities can be aware of the characteristics of suicide attempters and assist them. Therefore, this study aims to develop predictive models using four predictive techniques, which are Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Artificial Neural Network and Random Forest to anticipate suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia. By analysing key indicators, such as demographic, socio-economic, and psychological factors, the model seeks to enable proactive intervention and support for vulnerable individuals. A total of 33 predictive models are generated and evaluated based on their performance using the misclassification rate. Among these models, Gini decision tree models with 2 and 3 branches (80:20) showed superior performance, with the lowest misclassification rate recorded at 19.44%. Consequently, the model with 2 branches is selected for its practicality and accuracy in identifying vulnerable individuals. Early intervention is crucial in identifying and supporting young adults at risk of suicidal ideation. The developed predictive model offers valuable insights for proactive intervention and support, aiding in prevention efforts and reducing the prevalence of suicide. It carries significant policy implications for suicide prevention in Malaysia, enabling targeted intervention strategies for vulnerable young adults. By prioritising resources based on the identified risk factors, policymakers can enhance mental health support systems and prevent tragic outcomes. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2025-09 Article PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26412/1/Paper_4%20-.pdf Chan, Sin Yin and Ch’ng, Chee Keong (2025) A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia. Journal of Quality Measurement and Analysis, 21 (3). pp. 61-78. ISSN 2600-8602 https://www.ukm.my/jqma/
spellingShingle Chan, Sin Yin
Ch’ng, Chee Keong
A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia
title A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia
title_full A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia
title_fullStr A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia
title_full_unstemmed A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia
title_short A comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in Malaysia
title_sort comparison of decision tree, logistic regression, artificial neural network and random forest algorithms to predict suicidal ideation among young adults in malaysia
url http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26412/1/Paper_4%20-.pdf
http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26412/
https://www.ukm.my/jqma/
url_provider http://journalarticle.ukm.my/