Psychometric properties of the short index of problems as a measure of recent alcohol-related problems

Background: The Drinker Inventory of Consequences (DrInC) measures overall consequences of drinking and yields five subscale scores. A short form of the DrInC, the Short Index of Problems (SIP), was developed for use when time does not permit completion of the DrInC. This study investigates the psychometric properties of the SIP. Methods: The study sample consisted of 153 problem drinkers who were participants in a placebo-controlled trial of naltrexone and brief counseling. Results: The SIP showed good internal consistency, good concurrent validity, and adequate stability. Four of the five SIP subscales contributed unique variance beyond general drinking consequences. Conclusions: The SIP is useful for measuring drinking consequences in a sample of problem drinkers, and the subscale scores can be interpreted clinically. Further research on the SIP in other populations is warranted.