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 t ransmitted disease (STD) occurs. It is essential for understanding the transmission dynamics of STDs. Goal of this Study: The problem of est imating the effective rate of partner change is addressed. Results: Un der certain conditions the mean rate of partner change in STD patients estimates the effective rate of partner change in the general populat ion. Conclusion: To estimate the effective rate of partner change in a population, the use of surveys of patients with STD provides a simple r and less costly alternative to population surveys of sexual behavior .