Psychometric properties of the traditional Chinese version of the 20-item Decisional Balance Scale. (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Chia-Hao; Lin, Hai-Ti; Chen, Tzu-Ting; Lin, Kuan-Fu; Huang, Wei-Lieh
• Is Part Of: Journal of substance use. Volume 28:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Decisional balance -- heroin -- methamphetamine -- psychometrics; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Medication abuse -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.2010139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-9891

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Precise evaluation of decisional balance status of victims with substance use disorder is essential for individualized treatment plans. Decisional Balance Scale (DBS) has been proven useful for this purpose. We translated DBS to traditional Chinese (CDBS) and examined the psychometric properties. Methods: A total of 173 outpatients with heroin or methamphetamine use disorder completed CDBS. We performed exploratory factor analysis to explore the structure of CDBS. We also examined internal consistency, item analysis, and test–retest reliability. The validity was tested by comparing respondents' scoring (1) in different stages of change and (2) before/after group psychotherapy. Results: The CDBS had identical structure as the original DBS. Two subscales ("Pros" and "Cons" of using drugs) were identified and each composed of 10 items. Item analysis revealed no redundant items. The Cronbach's alpha for the Pros and Cons subscales were 0.903 and 0.884, whereas the test–retest reliability were 0.372 and 0.431, respectively. Respondents in advanced stage of change and completing group psychotherapy had decreased Pros scores and increased Cons scores. Conclusions: The validity and reliability of the CDBS were fair, though the test–retest reliability was lower than expected. The results supported CDBS to assess motivation of outpatients with illicit drug use disorder.