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Updated: May 24, 2026
06:48
The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
A mathematical analysis of public avoidance behavior during epidemics using game theory
1Department of Economics, Wake Forest University, Box 7505, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA. chenfh@wfu.edu
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|March 17, 2012
Summary
Individuals
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Game Theory
- Public Health
Background:
- Public avoidance behaviors are crucial during epidemics.
- Understanding individual decisions in public spaces is key to epidemic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and analyze individual decisions on public avoidance during epidemics using game theory.
- To compare Nash equilibria with social optimum based on contact functions.
Main Methods:
- Game theory modeling of public avoidance decisions.
- Analysis of Nash equilibria under varying contact ratio conditions.
Main Results:
- Contact ratio's impact on Nash equilibria and social optimality is demonstrated.
- Unique equilibrium with too little avoidance if contact ratio increases.
- Multiple equilibria with potentially too much avoidance if contact ratio decreases.
- Constant contact ratio yields a unique, socially optimal equilibrium.
Conclusions:
- Individual avoidance decisions during epidemics are sensitive to the contact function.
- Interventions may be needed to align individual behavior with social welfare.
- The structure of social interactions significantly influences epidemic management outcomes.
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