AEGiS-05IAC: Sexual mixing models with like-with-like preference.

5th International AIDS Conference

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — Jun 4-9, 1989

Sexual mixing models with like-with-like preference.

Int Conf AIDS 1989 Jun 4-9; 5:164 (abstract no. A.522)
Blythe S, Castillo-Chavez C; Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland

OBJECTIVE: To develop an alternative to proportionate mixing in sexually transmitted disease models.

METHODS: Starting from the three fundamental constraints on a mixing function (it must be positive, normalized, and conserve the number of partnerships), a new mixing model can be constructed by finding an appropriate transformation of a suitable function (describing mixing between individuals of similar activity).

RESULTS: A new mixing model is derived, based on a transformation of a local mixing function ("like-with-like") which has the property f(x-y) = f(y-x). Different choices of f provide different degrees of localized mixing in the population, and affect the dynamics of an STD epidemic. We look at three alternatives: Gaussian, rectangular, and "sharp" f superimposed on the general mixing.

CONCLUSION: Predictions of epidemics of STDs are very sensitive to the extent of like-with-like mixing in the population.

890604
A522