Validity of the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) for the Adolescent Colombian Population

Authors

  • Oscar M Castaño-Ramírez Department of Mental Health and Human Behavior, Universidad de Caldas, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
  • Consuelo Vélez-Álvarez Department of Public Health, Universidad de Caldas, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
  • Natalia Sanchez-Palacio Department of Public Health, Universidad de Caldas, 170001 Manizales, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62641/aep.v52i3.1623

Keywords:

underage drinking, adolescent, validation study, mental health, craving (DeCS, BIREME)

Abstract

Introduction: Addiction behaviors are primary contributors to mental health issues among adolescents, often utilized as coping mechanisms or emotional regulation tools. This study aimed to establish the content validity of the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) for Colombian adolescents, recognized for its representation of the cognitive-emotional aspects of craving.

Methodology: This quantitative research focused on instrument validation. Seven subject matter experts evaluated the scale in terms of pertinence, relevance, usefulness, sufficiency, clarity, and appearance. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, calculating internal consistency and the Content Validity Index. Qualitative feedback from experts was compiled in an Excel matrix, facilitating grammatical and semantic adjustments to the instrument.

Results: Cronbach's Alpha values for each item and the scale exceeded 0.8. Content Validity Index scores exceeded 0.7 in four out of five evaluated criteria. These results supported retaining all scale items in the Colombian version.

Conclusions: The content validation process yielded an instrument that satisfied expert opinion regarding conceptual constructs and explanatory power for the Colombian adolescent population.

Downloads

Published

2024-06-05

How to Cite

Castaño-Ramírez, Oscar M, et al. “Validity of the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) for the Adolescent Colombian Population”. Actas Españolas De Psiquiatría, vol. 52, no. 3, June 2024, pp. 221-9, doi:10.62641/aep.v52i3.1623.

Issue

Section

Article