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Alcohol use disorders identification test: factor structure in an adolescent emergency department sample
Tammy Chung1, Suzanne M Colby, Nancy P Barnett
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. chungta@msx.upmc.edu
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|April 20, 2002
Summary
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in adolescents showed a two-factor structure, with consumption being a key indicator for identifying alcohol use disorders. This suggests focusing on consumption items for effective adolescent screening.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychometrics
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Investigated the factor structure of a modified Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in adolescents.
- Examined the utility of factor-specific cut scores for identifying DSM-IV alcohol diagnoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the modified AUDIT accurately reflects consumption, dependence, and consequences in adolescents.
- To assess the effectiveness of factor-specific scores in diagnosing alcohol use disorders.
Main Methods:
- Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses of a modified AUDIT in 173 adolescents.
- Receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine optimal cut scores for DSM-IV alcohol diagnoses.
Main Results:
- A two-factor model (consumption and dependence/consequences) best fit the data.
- Optimal cut scores identified: 3 for consumption, 1 for dependence/consequences.
- Consumption factor showed superior performance in identifying alcohol diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- The AUDIT functions as a two-factor measure (consumption, dependence/consequences) in adolescents.
- The consumption factor is valuable for brief alcohol screening in adolescents.
- Developmentally appropriate alcohol problem identification is crucial for improving adolescent screening.