Validity of a brief screening instrument—CRAFFT in a multiethnic Asian population

Aim

To validate the CRAFFT screening test, against the DSM IV Axis 1-based diagnostic inventory in a population of adolescents and young adult males in Singapore.

Methods

The 23,248 participants belonged to a cohort of males who had undergone a medical examination prior to enlistment for military service. This study took place between August 2004 and August 2005. Subjects underwent a two-stage assessment and were administered the CRAFFT questionnaire and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 19 years (range, 16 to 26 years). The CRAFFT showed moderately high levels of internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.73). The optimum cutoff point for drug-related disorder either abuse or dependence and alcohol-related disorder either abuse or dependence criterions were found at CRAFFT score of 1 or higher.

Conclusion

The CRAFFT test is a valid means of screening adolescents for substance-related disorders in a multiethnic population of adolescent and young adult males.