Several researchers have identified drug abuse risk factors. Hawkins, Catalano and Miller suggest that the most promising route for prevention on adolescent alcohol and other drug problems is through a risk focus approach. This approach requires the identification of risk factors for drug abuse, the identification of methods by which high risk factors have been addressed, and application of these methods to general population samples. A the individual level the identified risk factors are: early antisocial behavior with aggressiveness, academic failure, low commitment to school, alienation or rebelliousness, antisocial behavior in early adolescence, favorable attitudes toward drugs, and early first use of drugs. The objective of this study was to validate Catalano et al. instrument "Student Survey of Risk and Protective Factors and Prevalence of Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug" in a Puerto Rican sample. The spanish version of the instrument will be used in an island wide substance use and study among adolescents. The instrument was administered to students in 7th, 9th, and 10th tenth grade. After the first administration, the questionnaire was revised and several questions were rephrased accordingly. In addition, reliability of the scales was performed in order to compare the results with previous reported reliability. A second administration was performed and the questionnaire was again revised. After the third pilot study, the questionnaire was adopted for the study. The presentation will cover the details of the reliability test and the content analysis of the questionnaire.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the role of cultural differences when developing prevention actions geared towards the Hispanic population. 2. Identify the principal risk factors scales for substance use appropriate for the Puerto Rican population.
Keywords: Adolescents, Drug Use
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.