Dynamic intimate contact social networks and epidemic interventions

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are, by definition, transferred among intimate social settings. Although the circumstances under which these social settings are established and maintained may vary, the common prerequisite remains an intimate level of social atmosphere. For this reason, the development of sexually transmitted disease mathematical and computational models must utilise dynamic and evolving social network simulation. This paper presents Dynamic Social Network of Intimate Contacts (DynSNIC), a computational simulator created to embody the intimate dynamic and evolving social networks related to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. DynSNIC's utilisation by health professionals will facilitate evaluation of targeted intervention strategies and public health policies.