Improving Alcohol Consumption Self-report Measurement

This methodological study investigated sources and kinds of errors in self-report measures of alcohol consumption, specifically retrospective summary drinking patterns measures for use in epidemiological services research. The methods involved screening local samples of heavier drinkers and undertaking pre- and post-surveys with or without intervening daily drinking diaries and use of a new non-invasive transdermal alcohol sensor. The study advanced theory about measurement error in human health behaviors; it generated applied findings aiding calibration of existing survey measures. It also used ARG’s latest National Alcohol Survey to help develop better self report measures of the alcohol intake pattern needed to improve epidemiological, clinical and services research studies.