A review and agenda for integrated disease models including social and behavioural factors

Social and behavioural factors impact the emergence, spread and control of human disease. This paper reviews current disease modelling methodologies and the challenges and opportunities for integration with data from social science research and risk communication and community engagement practice. Social and behavioural factors are critical to the emergence, spread and containment of human disease, and are key determinants of the course, duration and outcomes of disease outbreaks. Recent epidemics of Ebola in West Africa and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally have reinforced the importance of developing infectious disease models that better integrate social and behavioural dynamics and theories. Meanwhile, the growth in capacity, coordination and prioritization of social science research and of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) practice within the current pandemic response provides an opportunity for collaboration among epidemiological modellers, social scientists and RCCE practitioners towards a mutually beneficial research and practice agenda. Here, we provide a review of the current modelling methodologies and describe the challenges and opportunities for integrating them with social science research and RCCE practice. Finally, we set out an agenda for advancing transdisciplinary collaboration for integrated disease modelling and for more robust policy and practice for reducing disease transmission.

Automated summary

Social and behavioural factors play a critical role in the emergence, spread, and control of human diseases, highlighting the importance of integrating disease modelling with social science research and risk communication. Collaboration between epidemiological modellers, social scientists, and risk communication practitioners is essential for developing more comprehensive infectious disease models and enhancing pandemic response strategies. This review outlines the challenges and opportunities for advancing transdisciplinary collaboration and improving policy and practice towards reducing disease transmission.