Reliable and valid estimates of the prevalence of substance abuse are crucial to effective policy development, prevention, and evaluation in schools and in the workplace. Numerous methods for deriving these estimates have been tried, but all have significant flaws: underreporting, obtrusiveness, expense, etc. Prior research suggests that the item count/ paired list (IC/PL) method can be adapted to provide accurate prevalence estimates, unobtrusively and at low cost. Long-term objectives are to develop IC/PL questionnaires for use in schools or the workplace. Reliability and validity of estimates will be established through a series of field tests; criterion validity will include comparisons with direct self-report and with physiological tests for substance use. The project represents the first time IC/PL has been adapted for this purpose and, if successful, a major breakthrough in survey technology for substance abuse assessment. School and workplace surveys, and social science research represent the major commercial applications.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44DA006688-02A1
Application #
2118893
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SRCD (02))
Project Start
1991-08-01
Project End
1995-08-31
Budget Start
1993-09-30
Budget End
1994-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Integra, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Radnor
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19087