Research on problem drinking among older adults has been hampered by the lack of specialized instruments to assess drinking problems. In this paper, we examine the psychometric properties of a 17-item measure specifically designed to assess drinking problems in this population. The Drinking Problems Index (DPI) exhibits excellent psychometric properties, with an internal consistency reliability estimate of .94, a cross-temporal correlation over a 1-year interval of .66, and cross-sectional correlations with alcohol consumption at two points a year apart of .37 and .42. In addition, the construct validity of the DPI is supported by significant concurrent correlations indicating that persons who have more drinking-related problems experience more depression, have less self-confidence, and participate in fewer social activities. Consistent with the high internal consistency reliability estimate, a factor analysis confirmed that the measure is largely unifactorial. Overall, the findings suggest that the DPI is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing problems associated with drinking in surveys of older persons.
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Finney et al. (1991) studied this question.
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