The impact of self-protective measures in the optimal interventions for controlling infectious diseases of human population

J Math Biol. 2015 Jan;70(1-2):213-36. doi: 10.1007/s00285-014-0761-3. Epub 2014 Feb 11.

Abstract

A mathematical model for infectious disease epidemics with behaviour change and treatment is formulated and analysed. It is indicated that behaviour modification by the population has a significant impact on the dynamics of the disease. Moreover, an optimal control theory is applied to propose the best possible combination of efforts in controlling a disease. It is shown that it may not be necessary to continuously apply treatment at a full rate to eradicate the disease, if the effort is supported by effective behaviour modification strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy
  • Botswana / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Communicable Diseases / psychology
  • Communicable Diseases / transmission
  • Computer Simulation
  • Epidemics / prevention & control
  • Epidemics / statistics & numerical data
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Infection Control / statistics & numerical data
  • Mathematical Concepts
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Statistical
  • Public Health Practice