Problems in Data Collection From the General Population Related to Alcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drug Use (From Alcohol and Drugs: Research and Policy, P 17-25, 1990, Martin Plant, Cees Goos, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-129672)

• NCJ Number: 129674
• Author(s): J Simpura
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: University of Edinburgh Press
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This analysis of methodological issues related to questionnaire studies and interview surveys of the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs concludes that general population surveys provide the best single way to obtain information on the distribution of consumption and the prevalence of drug problems.

Abstract

These surveys are designed to determine the prevalence of use and nonuse of specific substances, the frequency of use among users, the frequency of specific instances of use, the volume of consumption, individuals at risk, the relationship between consumption and various consequences, and the distribution of consumption. The main problem in measurement is underreporting. In addition, the wording of questions may greatly influence the resulting consumption estimates. Problems also exist regarding the validity and comparability of data. Currently no standards exist to define good survey work. Such standards are needed, and a useful first step would be to conduct more extensive and systematic methodological reviews for each substance. An international agency such as the World Health Organization should encourage efforts to conduct these reviews. 42 references