Document Detail


Applying the epidemiologic problem oriented approach (EPOA) methodology in developing a knowledge base for the modeling of HIV/AIDS.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20521410     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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.
Authors:
David Nganwa; Tsegaye Habtemariam; Berhanu Tameru; Gemechu Gerbi; Asseged Bogale; Vinaida Robnett; Wanda Wilson
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Ethnicity & disease     Volume:  20     ISSN:  1049-510X     ISO Abbreviation:  Ethn Dis     Publication Date:  2010  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-06-03     Completed Date:  2010-08-12     Revised Date:  2011-08-01    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9109034     Medline TA:  Ethn Dis     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  S1-173-7     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Center for Computational Epidemiology, Bioinformatics and Risk Analysis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA. nganwad@tuskegee.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
Computational Biology
Decision Making
Epidemiologic Methods
HIV Infections / epidemiology*
Health Promotion
Humans
Knowledge Bases*
Systems Analysis
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
2G12RR03059-16/RR/NCRR NIH HHS; G12 RR003059-22/RR/NCRR NIH HHS
Comments/Corrections

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