The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): Reliability and Validity of the Persian version

Abstract

<em>Background:</em> Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) has been recently prioritized as a health problem in Iran. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is an easy-to-use diagnostic tool for excessive drinking. This study was designed to assess the validity and reliability of the Persian version of AUDIT questionnaire. <br/><em>Methods:</em> Participants were 70 individuals with AUD (study group) and 70 non-alcoholic individuals (control group). Persian AUDIT was completed for all participants. Explanatory factor analysis was used for construct validity; and the reliability of AUDIT was determined by examining internal consistency and test-retest reliability. ROC curve was applied for calculation of specificity and sensitivity. <br/><em>Results:</em> Using Cronbach's alpha, the internal reliability of the Persian AUDIT was estimated to be 0.77. The internal consistency coefficient of the Persian AUDIT was calculated to be 0.78 by the split-half method in the total population. The correlation of the test-retest results was statistically significant (r = 0.711, P = 0.020). Using the ROC curve at the cutoff point of 8, a specificity and sensitivity of 89% and 99% was achieved for the test and the accuracy of the area under the curve was achieved to be 99% (P < 0.001). The cutoff value of 8 in AUDIT questionnaire was specified as the best cutoff point. Control subjects obtained significantly lower mean scores compared to alcoholic subjects (P < 0.001). <br/><em>Conclusion:</em> Given the acceptable reliability and validity of the Persian AUDIT and its high sensitivity and specificity, it can be used as an effective instrument for identification of AUDs, risky drinkers and early detection of ulterior cases of alcohol addiction in the Persian speaking population.