Hypothesis: The Drug and Alcohol Problem Assessment for Primary Care (DAPA-PC) is hypothesized to be a reliable and valid self-report online screening instrument for use in primary care settings. DAPA-PC is a self-administered (via computer), Internet-based screening instrument which features automatic scoring, generation of patient profile for medical reference, and presentation of unique motivational messages and advice. Methodology: Tests of reliability and validity have been conducted on the DAPA-PC. The DAPA-PC was administered to 324 primary care patients: 44% male; 48% White, 42% Black; mean educational level 14.6 years. Re-tests were administered an average of 4.2 days after initial screen. Participants were also assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) to further determine validity of the DAPA-PC. Results and Importance: Reliability tests (Test-retest) indicate that the DAPA-PC has high reliability rates, both when questions were examined individually and when total score was examined (ranging from .61 to .82, p<.01). Validity tests comparing self-report to hair and urine results indicate that the total DAPA-PC score on eight yes/no questions correlated significantly with positive urine or hair test results. Of 75 positive cases (by urine or hair result), 35% reported no use in past 30 days, 65% reported use in past 30 days. These results suggest that the DAPA-PC is a reliable instrument that could be used in primary care settings, however a fairly high percentage of individuals (approximately 1/3) are not likely to reveal recent drug use. Practical implications will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Following this presentation, participants will be familiar with an online screening instrument for drug and alcohol problems designed for primary care settings. Participants will also become acquainted with the automatic scoring system, generation of patient profile for medical reference, and the presentation of unique motivational messages and advice. Practical implications for use of the instrument will also be discussed
Keywords: Screening Instruments, Internet
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.