Abstract
Background: The present study aimed at assessing the validity of self-reported drug use in people aged 35 and older in a pilot phase of a population-based cohort study. Methods: A total of 1038 adults over 35 years old in Khamene city in East Azerbaijan province were recruited for the pilot phase of Azar cohort; a province-level of a nationwide PERSIAN cohort study completing a questionnaire and providing biological samples from October to December 2014. Information about the history and duration of smoking tobacco, using drug and medication were obtained by the physician. The validity of the drug use was assessed through comparing the questionnaire response with three urine strip tests for the detection of morphine, amphetamine and methamphetamine among 259 randomly selected subjects. Results: The prevalence of drug use according to self-report was 2.6% (95% CI: 1.7%-3.8%).One-step drug test as the gold standard for the use of drug self-reported demonstrated a sensitivity(95% CI) and specificity 15% (10-22) and 99.7% (98.9%-99.9%) respectively. All participants with positive self-report were male; however, in the urine analysis drug test, it was positive for 7out of 68 randomly selected women. Conclusion: The validity of self-reported drug use in this population was low; therefore, the self reported use of the drug should be used with caution in this population. It is recommended to use alternative techniques to improve the validity of data using the self-report procedure.
Highlights
In 2015, it was estimated that 250 million people or 5% of adults around the world had used an illicit drug at least once during their life.[1]
Materials and Methods Study subjects and recruitment The Azar cohort is a province-level of the PERSIAN cohort study which mainly aimed at assessing a comprehensive range of different biomarkers, clinical, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors of common non-communicable diseases among Iranian adults
The prevalence of drug use was 2.6%, based on self-report; 27 subjects had positive selfreport of drug use
Summary
In 2015, it was estimated that 250 million people or 5% of adults around the world had used an illicit drug at least once during their life.[1]. The prevalence of drug use, its pattern and correlations are often measured using the self-report method.[3] because the drug use is categorized as sensitive and highly stigmatised behaviours, the validity of self-reported data has been questioned. The most important biological marker-based validity information comes from criminal justice[4] and treatment setting.[5] There are studies assessing validation of self-reported drug use with biochemical testing among patients presented to the emergency department seeking treatment for backache, headache, and toothache, population-based validity studies are scarce.[6]. The present study aimed at assessing the validity of self-reported drug use in people aged 35 and older in a pilot phase of a population-based cohort study. It is recommended to use alternative techniques to improve the validity of data using the self-report procedure
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