Agent-based modeling of noncommunicable diseases: a systematic review

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of public health (1971) 2015-03, Vol.105 (3), p.e20-e31
Main Authors: Nianogo, Roch A, Arah, Onyebuchi A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chronic Disease
Chronic illnesses
Community Health
Complex systems
Computer simulation
Databases, Bibliographic
Datasets
Epidemiologic Methods
Epidemiology
Evidence-Based Medicine
Exercise
Feedback
Humans
Infectious diseases
Laboratories
Models, Theoretical
Mortality
Motor Activity
Obesity
Online Systematic Review
Prevention
Public health
Public Health Practice
Risk Factors
Social Science
Software
Studies
Systematic review
Systems science
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0090-0036
1541-0048
DOI:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302426