TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1991//
TI  - The Drinking Problems Index: a measure to assess alcohol-related problems among older adults
JO  - Journal of substance abuse
A1  - Finney, J. W.
A1  - Moos, R. H.
A1  - Brennan, P. L.
SP  - 395
EP  - 404
VL  - 3
IS  - 4
N2  - Research on problem drinking among older adults has been hampered by the lack of specialized instruments to assess drinking problems. In this paper, we examine the psychometric properties of a 17-item measure specifically designed to assess drinking problems in this population. The Drinking Problems Index (DPI) exhibits excellent psychometric properties, with an internal consistency reliability estimate of .94, a cross-temporal correlation over a 1-year interval of .66, and cross-sectional correlations with alcohol consumption at two points a year apart of .37 and .42. In addition, the construct validity of the DPI is supported by significant concurrent correlations indicating that persons who have more drinking-related problems experience more depression, have less self-confidence, and participate in fewer social activities. Consistent with the high internal consistency reliability estimate, a factor analysis confirmed that the measure is largely unifactorial. Overall, the findings suggest that the DPI is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing problems associated with drinking in surveys of older persons.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0899-3289
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -