Estimating the effective rate of sex partner change from individuals with sexually transmitted diseases.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

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.

GOAL OF THIS STUDY: 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.

CONCLUSION

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.