Social mixing patterns for transmission models of close contact infections: exploring self-evaluation and diary-based data collection through a web-based interface.
Epidemiol Infect
; 134(6): 1158-66, 2006 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16707031
Although mixing patterns are crucial in dynamic transmission models of close contact infections, they are largely estimated by intuition. Using a convenience sample (n=73), we tested self-evaluation and prospective diary surveys with a web-based interface, in order to obtain social contact data. The number of recorded contacts was significantly (P<0.01) greater on workdays (18.1) vs. weekend days (12.3) for conversations, and vice versa for touching (5.4 and 7.2 respectively). Mixing was highly assortative with age for both (adults contacting other adults vs. 0- to 5-year-olds, odds ratio 8.9-10.8). Respondents shared a closed environment significantly more often with >20 other adults than with >20 children. The difference in number of contacts per day was non-significant between self-evaluation and diary (P=0.619 for conversations, P=0.125 for touching). We conclude that self-evaluation could yield similar results to diary surveys for general or very recent mixing information. More detailed data could be collected by diary, at little effort to respondents.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Self Care
/
Communicable Diseases
/
Data Collection
/
Models, Biological
Type of study:
Observational_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Epidemiol Infect
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
/
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
Year:
2006
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Bélgica
Country of publication:
Reino Unido