A New Tool for Epidemiology: The Usefulness of Dynamic-Agent Models in Understanding Place Effects on Health

I found this article by Auchincloss and Diez Roux (2008) particularly interesting because my research focus is the built environment and how it impacts health. The dynamic-agent model offers a model to study interdependent processes, including change and adaptation to ones surroundings. Applications of this model include (1) extending theory and testing hypotheses about fundamental processes involved in the ways that the spatial distribution of resources relates to the spatial distribution of physical activity, and (2) to assess whether certain interventions can alter physical activity levels among residents and thereby influence the spatial patterning of physical activity or reduce social inequalities in physical activity. Additionally, dynamic-agent models have been used to study the impact of spatially constrained social networks on the dispersion of smallpox, which helped determine timing and location for vaccination.