The Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program Questionnaire Validation Study (PQVS)

Abstract

The Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) program is an immersive hospital-based education program designed to reduce trauma in adolescents. The efficacy of the program in reducing risk-taking attitudes and preventing traumatic injuries has been proven through various methodologies. However, there is currently no study that has investigated the efficacy of the program using a validated, multi-domain questionnaire. This study outlines the design of the P.A.R.T.Y. Program Questionnaire (PPQ) and validates it through examining its construct and criterion validity as well as its internal consistency. Its capacity to risk-stratify participants was compared against the RT-18, a robust, 18-item risk-profiling instrument. The PPQ and the RT-18 were completed by New South Wales school students (N = 458) aged 15 to 18. The PPQ was designed in consultation with relevant field experts to optimise engagement and sensitivity. Examination of the construct validity of the PPQ was performed through exploratory factor analysis which demonstrated the presence of two underlying factors which aligned with the constructed two-scenario questionnaire format. The PPQ was shown to be internally consistent with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.77. Individual scenarios were shown to be internally consistent as well (α = 0.69, α = 0.66). The PPQ also identified high risk and low risk participants effectively as demonstrated by comparison against the risk stratification performed with the RT-18 (p-value < 0.001). This suggests the PPQ demonstrates criterion validity. Hence, the PPQ is an effective and valid tool for assessing risk-taking attitudes in adolescent populations.