title: Integrating field methodology and web-based data collection to assess the reliability of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).
abstract: Field methodologies offer a unique opportunity to collect ecologically valid data on alcohol use and its associated problems within natural drinking environments. However, limitations in follow-up data collection methods have left unanswered questions regarding the psychometric properties of field-based measures. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the reliability of self-report data collected in a naturally occurring environment - as indexed by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) - compared to self-report data obtained through an innovative web-based follow-up procedure. Individuals recruited outside of bars (N=170; mean age=21; range 18-32) provided a BAC sample and completed a self-administered survey packet that included the AUDIT. BAC feedback was provided anonymously through a dedicated web page. Upon sign in, follow-up participants (n=89; 52%) were again asked to complete the AUDIT before receiving their BAC feedback. Reliability analyses demonstrated that AUDIT scores - both continuous and dichotomized at the standard cut-point - were stable across field- and web-based administrations. These results suggest that self-report data obtained from acutely intoxicated individuals in naturally occurring environments are reliable when compared to web-based data obtained after a brief follow-up interval. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the feasibility, utility, and potential of integrating field methods and web-based data collection procedures.
authors: Department of Psychology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA. mcelio1@binghamton.edu
authors: Mark A
authors: MA
authors: Celio
authors: Courtney S
authors: CS
authors: Vetter-O'Hagen
authors: Stephen A
authors: SA
authors: Lisman
authors: Gerard E
authors: GE
authors: Johansen
authors: Linda P
authors: LP
authors: Spear
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001944:Breath Tests; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000592:standards; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D057566:Self Report; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult