Incorporating sensitization in mathematical modeling of alcoholism as an infectious disease

Abstract

Alcoholism is a problem that affects different aspects of our life in the society. In this study, alcoholism was taken and treated as an infectious disease. We developed a SISeTR model, which is a mathematical model of alcoholism as an infectious disease with five compartments i.e. susceptible, infected, sensitized, treated and recovered. The R0 was developed and the model stability and the existence of equilibrium points determined. From the quantitative analysis of the study, it was found that the local stability existed when R0<1. From the numerical analysis, we determined that Sensitization affects the dynamics of the model. We established that an increase in sensitization leads to a decline in the number of infections. This suggests that there is need for the relevant stakeholders to increase the rate of sensitization of the population as a measure of reducing the spread of alcoholism in the society.