Citation

Avci O, Fendrich M. J. Am. Coll. Health 2010; 58(6): 545-554.

Affiliation

Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research and the Urban Studies Programs, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481003705933

PMID

20452931

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Researchers who study the etiology of college drinking typically employ measures of alcohol-use behaviors as outcomes; however, relatively little is known about the properties of alcohol-related problems (AP). This study aims to develop a single continuous measure of AP. PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 531 undergraduate college students who were surveyed in March 2007. METHODS: The Rasch model was employed for dichotomous variables to analyze the measurement properties of 17 AP items. RESULTS: Although issues with respect to differentiation at low levels of problem severity were identified, based on most strategies, the Rasch-based scale was shown to be a valid and reliable measure of AP among college students. CONCLUSIONS: Although there may be some need for slight modification and adjustment in the future, the AP scale developed here can potentially serve as a useful measure for etiological and prevention research.

Language: en