Reliability and Validity of A Persian Version of Substance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS).
BACKGROUND
Iran (I.R.) is suffering the growing problem of opiate abuse. In evaluation of the treatment plan for opium dependent patients, a valid and reliable instrument is needed to measure patients' severity of dependence. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the "Substance Dependence Severity Scale" (SDSS).


METHODS
After translating the English version of SDSS to Persian and then back translating it to English, a structured interview with 200 opium dependent patients was conducted to collect data. Then, reliability (internal consistency and test-retest procedure) and construct validity were tested.


RESULTS
The alpha coefficient was 0.77 and the correlation between test and retest results showed a high correlation coefficient (0.97) which confirmed the reliability. Construct validity was assessed by a cross-check against General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the results were in favor of its validity. But the correlation between the amount of substance usage and scores of the 1(st) and 2(nd) questions were not within the acceptable range.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the reliability of the Persian version of SDSS, but to confirm its validity further studies are needed.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Esmaeil
ME
Motlaq
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Behshid
B
Garrusi
General Practitioner, Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Behrang
B
Shamsinejad
Iran; Substance abuse; psychometrics; questionnaire