Background and objectives: To investigate the factor structure of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST).
Methods: Secondary analysis on an adult primary care sample (N = 2,599).
Results and discussion: Factor analysis of the tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis items did not yield an acceptable oblique, three-factor solution, due in part to floor effects and limited variability. A short form comprises three items (past-3-month frequency of use, urge to use, and whether others have expressed concern for use), that showed good psychometrics.
Scientific significance: Supports the need for further investigation of the ASSIST factor structure and a short form. (Am J Addict 2016;25:259-263).
© 2016 American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.