Agent-based simulation for a dual-diffusion process of influenza and human preventive behavior

作者：Mao Liang^*; Bian Ling

来源：International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 2011, 25(9): 1371-1388.

DOI：10.1080/13658816.2011.556121

• diffusion process
• influenza transmission
• preventive behavior
• contact network
• negative feedback loop

Influenza disease diffuses from one individual to another through their close contacts, while preventive behavior propagates through inter-personal influences. These two diffusion processes take place simultaneously and interact with one another in opposite directions. Many current influenza studies consider the diffusion of influenza, but few of them have incorporated the diffusion of human preventive behavior. This article proposes an original dual-diffusion model to couple these two diffusion processes. The conceptual framework of the model incorporates these two opposite processes into a human contact network. An agent-based approach, network theory, disease model, and behavioral model are integrated to formulate the conceptual framework. Model implementation simulates an influenza epidemic in an urbanized area of one million individuals. The simulation results suggest that the proposed model offers a close representation of the observed data. The research findings will provide a more rational basis for influenza control.

• 出版日期2011