Validity of two questions on alcohol use in a health survey questionnaire

Author(s): Bygren, L. O., Carstensen, J., Engfeldt, P.

Journal/Book: Scand J Public Health. 1999; 27: PO Box 2959 Toyen, Journal Division Customer Service, N-0608 Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian University Press. 73-77.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether consumers of high and low levels of alcohol could be identified by two questions about alcohol use in a postal questionnaire survey. A sample of 2,300 persons aged 18 - 64 years from Stockholm county were sent a masked postal questionnaire comprising 30 questions about their health and functioning. Two questions concerned their alcohol consumption. One year later the subjects underwent a psychiatric health examination, which included an assessment of their alcohol use. The two questions about alcohol consumption identified high alcohol consumers with a relatively high sensitivity and specificity, of 64% and 87%, respectively, and thus are useful for identifying high alcohol consumers in health surveys using questionnaires.

Note: Article Theobald H, Karolinska Inst, Novum, SE-14157 Huddinge, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): alcohol; questionnaire; survey; validity; MORTALITY; DRINKING; TESTS; CARE

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