Analyzing evolutionary game theory in epidemic management: A study on social distancing and mask-wearing strategies
When combating a respiratory disease outbreak, the effectiveness of protective measures hinges on spontaneous shifts in human behavior driven by risk perception and careful cost-benefit analysis. In this study, a novel concept has been introduced, integrating social distancing and mask-wearing strat...
Gespeichert in:
Hauptverfasser: | , , |
---|---|
Format: | Dataset |
Sprache: | eng |
Schlagworte: | |
Online-Zugang: | Volltext bestellen |
Tags: |
Tag hinzufügen
Keine Tags, Fügen Sie den ersten Tag hinzu!
|
Zusammenfassung: | When combating a respiratory disease outbreak, the effectiveness of
protective measures hinges on spontaneous shifts in human behavior driven
by risk perception and careful cost-benefit analysis. In this study, a
novel concept has been introduced, integrating social distancing and
mask-wearing strategies into a unified framework that combines
evolutionary game theory with an extended classical epidemic model. To
yield deeper insights into human decision-making during COVID-19, we
integrate both the prevalent dilemma faced at the epidemic’s onset
regarding mask-wearing and social distancing practices, along with a
comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. We explore the often-overlooked
aspect of effective mask adoption among undetected infectious individuals
to evaluate the significance of source control. Both undetected and
detected infectious individuals can significantly reduce the risk of
infection for non-masked individuals by wearing effective facemasks. When
the economic burden of mask usage becomes unsustainable in the community,
promoting affordable and safe social distancing becomes vital in slowing
the epidemic’s progress, allowing crucial time for public health
preparedness. In contrast, as the indirect expenses associated with safe
social distancing escalate, affordable and effective facemask usage could
be a feasible option. In our analysis, it was observed that during periods
of heightened infection risk, there is a noticeable surge in public
interest and dedication to complying with social distancing measures.
However, its impact diminishes beyond a certain disease transmission
threshold, as this strategy cannot completely eliminate the disease burden
in the community. Maximum public compliance with social distancing and
mask-wearing strategies can be achieved when they are affordable for the
community. While implementing both strategies together could ultimately
reduce the epidemic’s effective reproduction number (Re) to below one,
countries still have the flexibility to prioritize either of them, easing
strictness on the other based on their socio-economic conditions. |
---|---|
DOI: | 10.5061/dryad.pc866t1xx |