On a Network SIS Epidemic Model with Cooperative and Antagonistic Opinion Dynamics

Abstract: We propose a mathematical model to study coupled epidemic and opinion dynamics in a network of communities. Our model captures SIS epidemic dynamics whose evolution is dependent on the opinions of the communities toward the epidemic, and vice versa. In particular, we allow both cooperative and antagonistic interactions, representing similar and opposing perspectives on the severity of the epidemic, respectively. We propose an Opinion-Dependent Reproduction Number to characterize the mutual influence between epidemic spreading and opinion dissemination over the networks. Through stability analysis of the equilibria, we explore the impact of opinions on both epidemic outbreak and eradication, characterized by bounds on the Opinion-Dependent Reproduction Number. We also show how to eradicate epidemics by reshaping the opinions, offering researchers an approach for designing control strategies to reach target audiences to ensure effective epidemic suppression.