Work

Agent-Based Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases: A Systematic Review

Year: 2015

Type: review

Abstract: We reviewed the use of agent-based modeling (ABM), a systems science method, in understanding noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their public health risk factors. We systematically reviewed studies in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Sciences published from January 2003 to July 2014. We retrieved 22 relevant articles; each had an observational or interventional design. Physical activity and diet were the most-studied outcomes. Often, single agent types were modeled, and the environment was usually irrelevant to the studied outcome. Predictive validation and sensitivity analyses were most used to validate models. Although increasingly used to study NCDs, ABM remains underutilized and, where used, is suboptimally reported in public health studies. Its use in studying NCDs will benefit from clarified best practices and improved rigor to establish its usefulness and facilitate replication, interpretation, and application.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302426

Authors: Roch A. Nianogo, Onyebuchi A. Arah

Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: demographic modeling and climate adaptation

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development