Luckie L F, White R E, Miller W R, Icenogle M V, Lasoski M C
Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-1161, USA.
J Clin Psychol. 1995 May;51(3):422-5. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(199505)51:3<422::aid-jclp2270510317>3.0.co;2-b.
Prior reports have indicated that the prevalence of alcohol-related problems in VA patients is significantly higher than that found in the general population. Prevalence rates, however, are likely to be affected by the screening instrument employed. A sample of 722 VA outpatients awaiting general medical and urgent care treatment was asked to complete two screening questionnaires: the World Health Organization's AUDIT and the brief MAST. Of 508 completed AUDITs, 55 (11%) scored above the cut-offs of 11 for harmful consumption, and 85 (17%) above the more liberal cut-off score of 8; whereas of 501 completed MASTs, 104 (21%) scored above the cut-off. Differences in identification rates are discussed.
