Estimating the effective rate of sex partner change from individuals with sexually transmitted diseases.
OBJECTIVE
The effective rate of partner change is an important variable for determining whether an epidemic of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) occurs. It is essential for understanding the transmission dynamics of STDs.


OBJECTIVE
The problem of estimating the effective rate of partner change is addressed.


RESULTS
Under certain conditions the mean rate of partner change in STD patients estimates the effective rate of partner change in the general population.


CONCLUSIONS
To estimate the effective rate of partner change in a population, the use of surveys of patients with STD provides a simpler and less costly alternative to population surveys of sexual behavior.
Nagelkerke
N J
NJ
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Brunham
R C
RC
Moses
S
S
Plummer
F A
FA
D015982:Bias; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003625:Data Collection / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000635:transmission*