Agent-based modeling and System Dynamics modeling on transmission of Tuberculosis in Saskatchewan

Abstract

The desire to better understand the transmission of infectious disease in the real world has motivated the representation of epidemic diffusion processes in the context of qualitative simulation as a computational model on provincial and community levels. In this thesis, we have developed both agent-based models and System Dynamics models within the context of M. Tuberculosis (TB) transmission in Saskatchewan and a community in Saskatchewan to evaluate the efficiency of prevention programs such as contact tracing investigation. New insights about how dynamic models and agent-based models can assist policy development and decision making in disease control will be generated. Moreover, we sought to compare these two modeling approaches to gain insights in TB diffusion in Saskatchewan as well as guidance in choosing the appropriate modeling approach for particular problems.