Refining a Novel Measure of Polysubstance Use: Applying the Cognitive Interview Method with People Who Use Drugs

Area of Science:

• Methodology in Social Sciences
• Substance Use Research
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Cognitive interviewing elicits feedback on assessment items from target populations.
• This method is valuable for vulnerable groups and complex behaviors like polysubstance use.
• Published case studies on cognitive interviewing are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• Detail the cognitive interview method used to develop a new polysubstance use assessment tool.
• Illustrate the application of cognitive interviewing in instrument development.

Main Methods:

• Employed cognitive interviewing with 28 participants reporting recent polysubstance use.
• Utilized an iterative study design for qualitative feedback.
• Modified administration from self- to interviewer-administered.

Main Results:

• Qualitative feedback guided improvements in item comprehension for complex substance use behaviors.
• Specific refinements addressed simultaneous and same-day polysubstance use.
• Changing to interviewer-administration significantly aided participant understanding.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive interviewing is a useful method for enhancing substance use assessments.
• The study demonstrates the practical application and benefits of cognitive interviewing in tool development.