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ASSIST in Pitjantjatjara: Protocol for a randomised crossover validation study among Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Matthew W R Stevens1, Sue Bertossa2, Dominic Barry3
1School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications
|September 2, 2025
Summary
This study validates the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in Pitjantjatjara, an Aboriginal language, to improve substance use screening for Indigenous Australians. Findings aim to support culturally safe health interventions and reduce health disparities.
Area of Science:
- Indigenous Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Substance use is a major health burden in Australia, disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples due to historical and ongoing trauma.
- Culturally appropriate and validated screening tools are crucial for early identification and support of at-risk individuals.
- Existing screening tools may not be suitable for use in Indigenous languages, creating a barrier to accessing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for use in the Pitjantjatjara language.
- To ensure the screening tool is culturally acceptable, valid, and reliable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- To facilitate early detection of substance-related harm and improve access to support services.
Main Methods:
- The study involves recruiting participants aged 18-65 from various Aboriginal health and welfare settings in South Australia.
- Participants will complete the ASSIST tool via an iPad app and undergo a semi-structured diagnostic interview with a Pitjantjatjara interpreter.
- Reliability will be assessed by repeat app completion, and validity will be checked through specialist clinical evaluation for high-risk participants.
Main Results:
- This section is not applicable as the abstract describes a study protocol.
- The study is designed to generate data on the validity and reliability of the Pitjantjatjara-adapted ASSIST tool.
- Results will inform the effectiveness of the translated screening tool in identifying substance use disorders.
Conclusions:
- Valid and reliable screening tools are essential for addressing substance use-related harms.
- Successful validation of the Pitjantjatjara ASSIST tool could significantly contribute to community-led efforts to reduce health gaps.
- This culturally adapted tool has the potential to improve health outcomes by addressing modifiable risk factors in Indigenous communities.
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