Adaptation and validation of a Rwanda-focused version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316993
• Publication Date: 2025-02-25T18:23:10Z
• Authors: Noah Rosenberg; Mia Buono; Vincent Ndebwanimana; Joseph Niyonzima; Roland C. Merchant; Aly Beeman; Catherine A. Staton; Joao Ricardo Nick...
• Keywords: Alcohol use disorder

In Rwanda, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is estimated to affect 7% of the population. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) an excellent screening instrument for AUD, but a Rwanda-focused version previously was unavailable. Our objective develop Rwanda- focused AUDIT and evaluate its psychometric properties. English adapted Rwandan language through translation back- by panel native Kinyarwanda speakers. Random sampling used recruit participants from emergency department, outpatient clinics, inpatient wards at tertiary care center in excluding those < 18 years old, declining participate, unable provide consent, or when participation would interfere with care. Participants completed using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing format. Internal structure assessed one-, two- three-dimensional models fit confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Chi-square (χ2), Root Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) comparative (CFI). Of 775 patients enrollment, were 12% declined 2% could not participate because it disrupt their medical care, 1.3% dropped out, leaving 614 included analysis. 614, majority male (61%), married (53%) had only primary education (65%). Their ages were: 33% 18-30, 43% 31-50, 25% > 50 years-old. Factor loading CFA model between 0.62 0.96 all items. Model indices χ2 0.001, RMSA 0.061 (0.049 - 0.073), TLI 0.994, CFI 0.995. Reliability statistics Cronbach’s alpha 0.91 (0.90 – 0.92), Omega 6 0.948 composite reliability 0.977. showed performance measures internal high on meeting traditional parameters RMSEA 0.08, 0.90, 0.95. this context, should ideally be 0.05, however relatively large sample, such as ours, tends depress number. All above indicating strong consistency. These findings support instrument. Further research focus development brief interventions who screen positive.