title: Multivariate Markovian modeling of tuberculosis: forecast for the United States.
abstract: We have developed a computer-implemented, multivariate Markov chain model to project tuberculosis (TB) incidence in the United States from 1980 to 2010 in disaggregated demographic groups. Uncertainty in model parameters and in the projections is represented by fuzzy numbers. Projections are made under the assumption that current TB control measures will remain unchanged for the projection period. The projections of the model demonstrate an intermediate increase in national TB incidence (similar to that which actually occurred) followed by continuing decline. The rate of decline depends strongly on geographic, racial, and ethnic characteristics. The model predicts that the rate of decline in the number of cases among Hispanics will be slower than among white non-Hispanics and black non-Hispanics a prediction supported by the most recent data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA. smd@hal.cwru.edu
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Debanne
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bielefeld
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Cauthen
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.forename: D Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Rowland
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008390:Markov Chains; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology