title: Development of an Australian version of the Alcohol-Related Problems Survey: a comprehensive computerised screening tool for older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Alcohol-Related Problems Survey (ARPS) reliably classifies drinking as non-hazardous, hazardous or harmful using scoring algorithms that consider quantity and frequency of alcohol use alone and in combination with health conditions, medication-use and functional status. Because it has been developed using a 14-g US standard drink, it is not valid in Australia where a standard drink contains 10 g of ethanol.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recalibrated the ARPS scoring algorithms for a 10-g Australian standard drink and updated the list of medications. The Australian ARPS (A-ARPS) was then administered to 50 non-treatment-seeking participants in waves of five.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The A-ARPS recalibrated scoring algorithms reliably classified all 50 individuals. Sixty-six per cent were classified as hazardous or harmful drinkers. Many were taking medications that interact with alcohol or had medical conditions that can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The A-ARPS is available for use in Australia. Its utilisation could reduce the incidence of alcohol-related harms.
authors.affiliation: Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria, Australia; Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bright
authors.forename: Arlene
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gabriel
authors.forename: Dhiren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000465:Algorithms; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol
keywords: adverse drug event; aged; alcohol-related disorder; prevention and control; screening