The impact of awareness programs by media on the spreading and control of non-communicable diseases

Abstract

In this paper a non-linear mathematical model for the effects of awareness programs on the burden of non-communicable diseases is analyzed. Even as infections and nutritional deficiencies are receding as leading contributors to death and disability, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, diabetes, neuropsychiatric ailments, and other chronic diseases are becoming major contributors to the burden of disease. Complications of diseases constitute a burden for the individuals and the whole society. But the diseases can be avoided or delayed in many cases if awareness and sensitization are raised to inform people in the susceptible stage. In the modeling process the growth rate of awareness programs impacting the population is assumed to be proportional to the numbers of diseased with and without complications. The model is analyzed by using stability theory of differential equations. Our analysis shows that diseased or diseased with complication can be prevented, controlled or at least delayed by introducing effective awareness programmes. The numerical simulation analysis of the model confirms the analytical results.

Keywords: Epidemic model, awareness programs, aware susceptible class, local stability, global stability..