Objectives: Evaluate the properties of CRAFFT scale for substance abuse screening in adolescent population aged 14 to 18.
Methods: The criteria was validated by comparing the CRAFFT scale to the gold standard for substance use identification (i.e. the clinical interview). The diagnostic test model was used for calculating the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the scale.
Results: The test revealed 0.95 sensitivity, 0.83 specificity, 0.85 PPV and 0.94 NPV (χ(2)=187.87 and p<0.0005) for identifying dysfunctional use (frequent use, abuse and dependence) with a score >2.
Conclusions: The scale was seen to have great usefulness for psychoactive substance use screening. A cut-off point of 2 differentiated functional from dysfunctional use.