Empirical methods for the estimation of the mixing probabilities for socially structured populations from a single survey sample.

"The role of variability of sexual behavior in the transmission dynamics of HIV and AIDS has been illustrated, through the use of mathematical models, by several investigators.... In this paper we describe some practical methods for estimating the deviations from random mixing from a single survey sample.... We include a description of the role of the estimated mixing probabilities in models for the spread of HIV, a discussion of alternatives and possible extensions of the methods described in this article, and an outline of future directions of research." (SUMMARY IN FRE)