title: The Drinking Problems Index: a measure to assess alcohol-related problems among older adults.
abstract: Research on problem drinking among older adults has been hampered by the lack of specialized instruments to assess drinking problems. In this paper, we examine the psychometric properties of a 17-item measure specifically designed to assess drinking problems in this population. The Drinking Problems Index (DPI) exhibits excellent psychometric properties, with an internal consistency reliability estimate of .94, a cross-temporal correlation over a 1-year interval of .66, and cross-sectional correlations with alcohol consumption at two points a year apart of .37 and .42. In addition, the construct validity of the DPI is supported by significant concurrent correlations indicating that persons who have more drinking-related problems experience more depression, have less self-confidence, and participate in fewer social activities. Consistent with the high internal consistency reliability estimate, a factor analysis confirmed that the measure is largely unifactorial. Overall, the findings suggest that the DPI is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing problems associated with drinking in surveys of older persons.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Medical Center, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Finney
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Moos
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment