[Progress in complex network theory-based studies on the associations between health-related behaviors and chronic non-communicable diseases]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2024 Mar 10;45(3):408-416. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20230715-00006.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

In recent years, the research focus on health-related behavior and chronic non-communicable diseases has shifted from the analysis on independent effects of multiple causes on a single outcome to the evaluation the complex relationships between multiple causes and multiple effects. Complex network theory, an important branch of system science, considers the relationships among factors in a network and can reveal how health-related behaviors interact with chronic diseases through a series of complex network models and indicators. This paper summarizes the definition and development of complex network theory and its commonly used models, indicators, and case studies in the field of health-related behavior and chronic disease to promote the application of complex network theory in the field of health and provide reference and tools for future research of the relationship between health-related behavior and chronic disease.

近年来,有关健康相关行为(健康行为)与慢性非传染性疾病(慢性病)的研究视角从专注多种健康行为与某个慢性病间“多因单果”的独立效应,逐渐转向多个健康行为与慢性病“多因多果”的复杂相互作用。复杂网络理论是系统科学的重要板块,该理论考虑了众多因素在同一网络中的博弈关系,可通过一系列复杂网络模型、指标,揭示健康行为与慢性病多个因素间如何相互作用。本文对复杂网络理论定义、发展及其在健康行为与慢性病领域的常用模型和指标、案例内容进行综述,旨在打开复杂网络理论在健康领域更广阔的运用场景,为后续健康行为与慢性病关系的研究提供可参考的思路和工具。.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Noncommunicable Diseases*