How to Screen for Problematic Cannabis Use in Population Surveys

Abstract

Background/Aims: Cannabis use is a growing challenge for public health, calling for adequate instruments to identify problematic consumption patterns. The Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (CUDIT) is a 10-item questionnaire used for screening cannabis abuse and dependency. The present study evaluated that screening instrument. Methods: In a representative population sample of 5,025 Swiss adolescents and young adults, 593 current cannabis users replied to the CUDIT. Internal consistency was examined by means of Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the CUDIT was compared to accepted concepts of problematic cannabis use (e.g. using cannabis and driving). ROC analyses were used to test the CUDIT’s discriminative ability and to determine an appropriate cut-off. Results: Two items (‘injuries’ and ‘hours being stoned’) had loadings below 0.5 on the unidimensional construct and correlated lower than 0.4 with the total CUDIT score. All concepts of problematic cannabis use were related to CUDIT scores. An ideal cut-off between six and eight points was found. Conclusions: Although the CUDIT seems to be a promising instrument to identify problematic cannabis use, there is a need to revise some of its items.

Validation of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test in a Sample of Cannabis Inpatients

“…The screening performance of the CUPIT (16 items) is good [6] but it was validated using a mixed sample of 13- to 61-year-old subjects recruited from the general population and from a treatment center. The CUDIT (10 items) was validated among alcohol-dependent subjects [3] or compared to broader external criteria and not to DSM-IV diagnoses in a general population sample [27]. An 8-item revision [8] showed improved sensitivity (90%) and specificity (90%) for screening CUD.…”

Comorbid psychiatric disorders and stages of change in cannabis-dependent, treatment-seeking patients

“…5 Most studies assessing motivation for seeking treatment in cannabis users excluded patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders, a group that might present different motivational profiles and probably move through the stages of change in a distinct way, 6 as the experience of problems may increase their readiness for behavior change. 7 Drug users who seek treatment exhibit various profiles regarding motivation for change. The assessment of this profile could be an important element in helping professionals develop individualized treatment plans.…”

Psychometric Properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test in Hungarian Samples of Adolescents and Young Adults

“…Problematic cannabis use has no consensual definition, and definitions are often limited to the description of negative social and health consequences [12,13]. For the screening and for the assessment of problematic cannabis use no consensual, internationally accepted standard measure is available.…”