Related Experiment Videos
The RAFFT as a screening tool for adolescent substance use disorders
L Bastiaens1, G Francis, K Lewis
1Pittsburgh Assessment and Brief Intervention Service, St. Francis Medical Center, PA 15228, USA.
The American Journal on Addictions
|July 29, 2000
Summary
The RAFFT screening tool effectively identifies problematic adolescent substance use, demonstrating high sensitivity and good specificity in a clinical setting. This tool aids in early detection for better intervention outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- Substance Use Disorders
- Screening Tools
Background:
- Problematic adolescent substance use is a significant public health concern.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating long-term negative consequences.
- Validated screening instruments are needed to facilitate timely diagnosis in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the RAFFT (Rapid Assessment of Adolescent Substance Use) screening tool.
- To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the RAFFT for problematic adolescent substance use.
- To assess the utility of the RAFFT in a clinical population of adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 226 adolescent patients (aged 13-18) referred to emergency or ambulatory clinics were enrolled.
- Participants completed the five-question RAFFT prior to a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
- Substance abuse or dependence diagnoses were established based on DSM-IV criteria.
Main Results:
- The RAFFT demonstrated optimal performance with two positive answers, yielding a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 69% for screening substance abuse or dependence.
- These findings indicate a strong ability of the RAFFT to correctly identify adolescents with substance use issues.
- The screening tool proved effective within this specialized adolescent patient group.
Conclusions:
- The RAFFT is a valuable and sensitive screening instrument for problematic adolescent substance use in clinical settings.
- Its high sensitivity suggests it is effective at identifying most adolescents who have substance use problems.
- The RAFFT's performance supports its use for early detection and intervention in adolescent populations.