A complex agent network model for HIV transmission among drug users sharing syringes

Injecting drug users (IDUs) sharing syringes is an important mode of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission. Intervention Measures such as free syringe exchange programs,voluntary counseling and HIV testing, free antiretroviral treatment (ART) and changes in the number of the total group play an important role in HIV transmission dynamics and success of prevention. This paper presents a complex agent network model for simulating the interaction and evolution of IDUs individual behaviors, IDUs networks and HIV prevention interventions. In the model, the number of the total group changes over time and each individual agent on network has his own specified information and rules to react to HIV prevention interventions. Exploratory simulation results are consistent with empirical studies demonstrating that the effectiveness of a combination of interventions, including free syringe exchange programs,voluntary counseling and HIV testing and ART during changing the number of the total group over time . Our model can be used to identify potential collective benefits of combination prevention interventions for HIV transmission.