Comparison of three methods for ascertainment of contact information relevant to respiratory pathogen transmission in encounter networks.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mathematical models of infection that consider targeted interventions are exquisitely dependent on the assumed mixing patterns of the population. We report on a pilot study designed to assess three different methods (one retrospective, two prospective) for obtaining contact data relevant to the determination of these mixing patterns.

Methods

65 adults were asked to record their social encounters in each location visited during 6 study days using a novel method whereby a change in physical location of the study participant triggered data entry. Using a cross-over design, all participants recorded encounters on 3 days in a paper diary and 3 days using an electronic recording device (PDA). Participants were randomised to first prospective recording method.

Results

SUBMITTER: McCaw JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2893181 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature