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. 2010 Winter;20(1 Suppl 1):S1-173-7.

Applying the epidemiologic problem oriented approach (EPOA) methodology in developing a knowledge base for the modeling of HIV/AIDS

David Nganwa  1 , Tsegaye Habtemariam, Berhanu Tameru, Gemechu Gerbi, Asseged Bogale, Vinaida Robnett, Wanda Wilson
Affiliations

Applying the epidemiologic problem oriented approach (EPOA) methodology in developing a knowledge base for the modeling of HIV/AIDS

David Nganwa et al. Ethn Dis. 2010 Winter.

Abstract

Introduction: In the epidemiologic modeling of diseases, the epidemiologic problem oriented approach (EPOA) methodology facilitates the development of systematic and structured knowledge bases, which are crucial for development of models. A detailed understanding of the epidemiology of a given disease provides the essential framework for model development and enables the laying out of the comprehensive and fundamental structures for the models.

Objective: To develop such a knowledge base for developing HIV/AIDS models.

Methods: The EPOA methodology was utilized to develop the knowledge base for HIV/AIDS; it is composed of six pillars within two triads: the Problem Identification/Characterization and the Problem Management/Solution/Mitigation Triads, interlinked by the diagnostic procedure.

Results: Using information from various sources, the triads are decomposed into their respective pillar variables and parameters. The agent pillar identifies the causative agent (HIV) and its characteristics. The host pillar identifies and characterizes the host (human). The environment pillar characterizes the physical, biological and socioeconomic environments for both the host and agent. The therapeutics/treatment pillar considers the treatment options for HIV/AIDS. The prevention/control pillar considers prevention and control measures. The health maintenance/health promotion pillar considers measures for the health maintenance of the population.

Conclusion: Models for HIV/AIDS can be conceptual, in vivo or in vitro, systems analysis, mathematical, or computational just to name a few. The knowledge base developed using the EPOA methodology provides a well-organized structured source of information, which is used in the variable and parameter estimations as well as analysis (biological, mathematical, statistical and computer simulations), which are crucial in epidemiologic modeling of HIV/AIDS. EPOA methodology has become an important tool in the development of models that can enlighten decision making in public health.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
The epidemiologic problem oriented approach model
Fig 2
Fig 2
A conceptual systems dynamics model for HIV/AIDS Abbreviations: BR SC birth rate of susceptible children BR IC birth rate of infected children AG SC to SAA aging rate of susceptible children to susceptible adolescents/adults AG IC to IAA aging rate of infected children to infected adolescents/adults IR SC to IC infection rate of susceptible children to infected children IR SAA to IAA infection rate of susceptible adolescents/adults to infected susceptible adolescents/adults RIC to FBA rate of infected children to full blown AIDS RIAA to FBA rate of infected adolescents to full blown AIDS DR SC death rate of susceptible children DR IC death rate of infected children DR SAA death rate of susceptible adolescents/adults DR IAA death rate of infected adolescents/adults DR of FBA IC/IAA other than AIDS death rate of full blown AIDS infected children, adolescents/adults not due to AIDS DR of FBA IC/IAA due to AIDS death rate of full blown AIDS infected children, adolescents/adults due to AIDS
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