Understanding the impact of social networks on the spread of obesity

Tuson, Mark 2019. Understanding the impact of social networks on the spread of obesity. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

Preview	PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (13MB) | Preview
	PDF (Cardiff University Electronic Publication Form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (102kB)

Abstract

The spread of obesity through social networks has been well documented most notably by Christakis and Fowler in 2007. In this research we sought to understand the nature of the interaction between social networks, the spread of obesity and the behaviours that drive it. We applied this knowledge in a case study, seeking to evaluate the impact of these effects on different sub-groups of the population. These objectives were addressed in a hybrid systems modelling approach implemented in a hybrid simulation. An agent based model simulated the social network and embedded inside each agent was a system dynamics model replicating individual behaviour. The model was parameterised using a stochastic approximation algorithm. This approach allowed us to explore a range of scenarios and also evaluate the topology of the network generated by those scenarios. The model allowed us to forecast BMI (Body Mass Index) issues for different age-groups and genders. We were also able to infer the network topography and its effects. We found that for the youngest population sub-groups the network magnified the impact of external factors on the individuals weight, conversely for the other sub groups it acted to reduce that impact. The magnitude of the network effect was inversely correlated with age.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Submission
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Mathematics
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics
Uncontrolled Keywords:	obesity, non-communicable chronic diseases, social network, hybrid simulation, discrete event simulation, system dynamics, agent based modelling, hybrid systems modelling, simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation
Funders:	Part funding from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Related URLs:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/161...
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 January 2020
Last Modified:	02 Aug 2023 08:53
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/128597

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item