Static behavioral effects on gonorrhea transmission dynamics in a MSM population

J Theor Biol. 2010 Nov 7;267(1):35-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2010.07.027. Epub 2010 Jul 27.

Abstract

An SIS/SAS model of gonorrhea transmission in a population of highly active men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) is presented in this paper to study the impact of safe behavior on the dynamics of gonorrhea prevalence. Safe behaviors may fall into two categories-prevention and self-awareness. Prevention will be modeled via consistent condom use and self-awareness via STD testing frequency. Stability conditions for the disease free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium are determined along with a complete analysis of global dynamics. The control reproductive number is used as a means for measuring the effect of changes to model parameters on the prevalence of the disease. We also find that appropriate intervention would be in the form of a multifaceted approach at overall risk reduction rather than tackling one specific control individually.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology
  • Gonorrhea / prevention & control
  • Gonorrhea / transmission*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Prevalence
  • Safe Sex*