Abstract
The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is known to be one of the best
preventive mechanisms for mosquito-borne human diseases by avoiding infective mosquito bites. However, the effective use of them is affected by human behavior which is further fueled by the persuasive power of those who object their use. Taking this into account, we propose a mathematical model for mosquito-borne diseases transmission that considers the effect of information dependent human behavior in the use of ITNs. The model is mathematically analyzed to determine the basic reproduction number, and to study equilibria
and their stability. Moreover, optimal control theory is applied to the model and optimal strategy for implementing health-promotion campaigns is derived. Numerical simulations to the optimal control problem show that as the power of persuasion of the anti-ITNs use group becomes larger than those of the pro–ITNs use group in the population, the burden of the disease becomes more challenging and its control becomes more costly.
preventive mechanisms for mosquito-borne human diseases by avoiding infective mosquito bites. However, the effective use of them is affected by human behavior which is further fueled by the persuasive power of those who object their use. Taking this into account, we propose a mathematical model for mosquito-borne diseases transmission that considers the effect of information dependent human behavior in the use of ITNs. The model is mathematically analyzed to determine the basic reproduction number, and to study equilibria
and their stability. Moreover, optimal control theory is applied to the model and optimal strategy for implementing health-promotion campaigns is derived. Numerical simulations to the optimal control problem show that as the power of persuasion of the anti-ITNs use group becomes larger than those of the pro–ITNs use group in the population, the burden of the disease becomes more challenging and its control becomes more costly.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | AAPP Atti della Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, Classe di Scienze Fisiche, Matematiche e Naturali |
| Volume | 96 |
| Issue number | S3, A2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 30 2018 |
