Julia Kim1, Yasaman Kambari2, Anmol Taggar2, Lena C Quilty3, Peter Selby4, Fernando Caravaggio5, Fumihiko Ueno2, Edgardo Torres1, Jianmeng Song1, Bruce G Pollock6, Ariel Graff-Guerrero7, Philip Gerretsen8. 1. Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2. Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Institute Research Program, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 4. Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Institute Research Program, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 5. Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 6. Campbell Institute Research Program, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Geriatric Mental Health Division, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 7. Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Institute Research Program, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Geriatric Mental Health Division, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 8. Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Institute Research Program, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Geriatric Mental Health Division, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: philgerretsen@yahoo.com.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Impaired illness awareness or inability to recognize that one has a substance use disorder can be a barrier to treatment seeking and rehabilitation. A validated scale is needed to better understand the clinical impact of impaired substance use disorder awareness. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Substance Use Awareness and Insight Scale (SAS), a novel scale to assess impaired illness awareness in individuals with substance use disorder. METHODS: We developed the SAS, a 7-item self-report measure to assess the theoretical constructs of illness awareness in substance use disorder (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). Participants 18 years of age or older with a score of 8 or more on the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) were included. Data were collected via Dynata, an online survey platform. RESULTS: A total of 299 participants were included (mean (SD) age = 47.3-years (15.4), 54% women). The SAS demonstrated good convergent (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and discriminant validity (r = -0.23, p < 0.001) with a measure of illness recognition and positive affect, respectively. SAS also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and one-month test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.87). An exploratory factor analysis suggested the retention of two components. Separate analyses of the SAS in individuals with cannabis, opioid, and other substance use showed similar results. DISCUSSION: The results of this study provide initial support for the psychometric validation of the SAS in adults with substance use disorder. The SAS holds promise for use in research and clinical settings to assess the influence of impaired substance use disorder awareness on treatment outcomes.
INTRODUCTION: Impaired illness awareness or inability to recognize that one has a substance use disorder can be a barrier to treatment seeking and rehabilitation. A validated scale is needed to better understand the clinical impact of impaired substance use disorder awareness. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Substance Use Awareness and Insight Scale (SAS), a novel scale to assess impaired illness awareness in individuals with substance use disorder. METHODS: We developed the SAS, a 7-item self-report measure to assess the theoretical constructs of illness awareness in substance use disorder (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). Participants 18 years of age or older with a score of 8 or more on the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) were included. Data were collected via Dynata, an online survey platform. RESULTS: A total of 299 participants were included (mean (SD) age = 47.3-years (15.4), 54% women). The SAS demonstrated good convergent (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and discriminant validity (r = -0.23, p < 0.001) with a measure of illness recognition and positive affect, respectively. SAS also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and one-month test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.87). An exploratory factor analysis suggested the retention of two components. Separate analyses of the SAS in individuals with cannabis, opioid, and other substance use showed similar results. DISCUSSION: The results of this study provide initial support for the psychometric validation of the SAS in adults with substance use disorder. The SAS holds promise for use in research and clinical settings to assess the influence of impaired substance use disorder awareness on treatment outcomes.
Authors: Andrea C Johnson; Melissa Mercincavage; Valentina Souprountchouk; Anupreet K Sidhu; Andrea C Villanti; Cristine D Delnevo; Andrew A Strasser Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2022-03-08 Impact factor: 4.852