Abstracts » Health

The relevance of social network concepts to sexually transmitted disease control

Article Abstract:

A sociological method known as social network analysis may be applied to controlling the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) within high-risk populations. Contact tracing of individuals with STDs has formerly been viewed as linear, with one common source. The social network concept acknowledges sexual and nonsexual interactions between infected and uninfected persons, which allows for a more targeted approach to identify more infected individuals in a population. The idea of the social network concept grew in prominence with the development of the AIDS epidemic. Contact tracing using social network analysis may maximize public health resources. Community public health workers may replace case workers by working with specific high-risk communities.

Health aspects, Prevention, Social networks, Sexually transmitted disease prevention

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Model trains of thought

Article Abstract:

Mathematical models of sexually transmitted disease transmission may be useful but limited. Much of human sexual behavior can not be reduced to mathematical equations. Social contacts change but this change is also hard to model. It is not always clear that policy makers are aware of this research, a fact that the AIDS epidemic illustrates. One benefit of models is that they may confirm prior research.

Models, Communicable diseases

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Recidivism redux

Article Abstract:

The dynamics of sexually transmitted disease transmission are described. Researchers have found that so-called core groups who have frequent infections despite treatment may be the major transmitters of infection in a community.

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.