Validity of Self‐reported Alcohol Use: a literature review and assessment*

Abstract

SummaryRecently, there has been increased attention to the validity of self‐reported alcohol use. Yet, much of the literature appears to be inappropriately seeking the definitive answer to a relative question, e.g. are self‐reports of alcohol use valid?. The literature on the validity of self‐reported alcohol use was reviewed with a primary focus on concurrent criterion‐oriented validity. Validity studies using collateral reports, diaries, official records, different interviewing methods, laboratory tests and multiple measures were assessed. It is concluded that research on the validity of self‐reported alcohol use should emphasize the interactions of the respondent, the interviewer, the information being obtained and the context of the interview to determine under which conditions valid responses can be maximized. Further, research on validity should focus on specific processes involved in providing accurate responses. Emphasis should be placed on developing a range of strategies and determining their appropriateness for obtaining more accurate reports from specific populations.

Outdoor music festivals: Cacophonous consumption or melodious moderation?

“…However, the validity of self-report data is sometimes called into question (e.g. Babor et al, 2000;Patrick et al, 1994;Frier et al, 1991;Midanik, 1988;Cooper et al, 1981). The data presented here are no better and no worse than other data of this type.…”

Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease by Diabetes Status

“…As in most other alcohol-related studies, we used selfreported alcohol consumption; other approaches are generally not practical in large cohort studies such as this. 30 Health professionals generally provide reliable reports of alcohol use, 31,32 though random misclassification of alcohol intake is possible if the physicians in this study generally underreported or underestimated their alcohol intake. This type of misclassification could have led to underestimation of any true protective association of light to moderate alcohol intake and CHD if heavier drinkers underreported to a greater extent than light or moderate drinkers.…”

Alcoholic beverage intake throughout the week and contribution to dietary energy intake in Australian adults

“…For this reason, these analyses rely on comparisons of intake between groups categorised on stable characteristics rather than intake based on shortterm measurement. Under-reporting of intake is well recognised for dietary intake in general (47) and alcohol use in particular (48,49) . Under-reporting in the present survey was found to be progressively higher for overweight and for obese people (23) .…”