This dissertation revealed several problems on the analysis of influenza propagation by indicating how agent-based modeling can be employed to measure the effectiveness of control measures and assist in improving health policy to decrease absenteeism among elementary students. The primary question posed was as following: "What is the effect of hand hygiene on the possible incidence rates among school children?" After creating an agent-based model representing the influenza transmission dynamic, the incidence rates were calculated based on the hand-washing success rates. The statistical results from the simulation model were displayed in graphical format. Finally, the author addressed the issue of measuring validity of the model. The statistical analysis on absenteeism from influenza was performed using data on missed school days in classrooms in one of the local schools in Tippecanoe County, where students exercise hand washing with soap on a regular basis. The analysis also considered data on absenteeism among children who were not required to perform hand washing routinely. This agent-based simulation method is an innocuous and economical approach to model the propagation of respiratory diseases such as influenza. It enables the researcher to model individual behaviors and interaction among individuals and their environment. This feature enables the researcher to represent influenza transmission dynamic more realistically and to provide in-depth analysis to inquiries for epidemiologist and public health professionals. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]