The Reliability of Self-Reported Drug Use Measured Through The Drug Use Forecasting Program: A Multi-Trait Assessment

Author

Charles M. Katz, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Date of Award

7-1-1994

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Abstract

The majority of drug use data obtained by researchers thus far has been generated through the use of self-reports and urinalyses. In fact, such methods are often the only way to accurately identify individuals who use drugs. There has only been a minimal amount of research concerning the reliability of the self-reported drug use among arrestees in the Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program. The purpose of this paper is to present initial evidence on the reliability of self-reported interview data when compared to urinalysis, and to give a detailed description of the variables associated with the accuracy of self-reports. The data were obtained from 2,400 arrestees in the Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program in Omaha, Nebraska from 1987 to 1991. Analyses revealed that those who are non-white, felons, or who perceive a need for drug treatment are more apt to misrepresent themselves in the self-reporting of cocaine.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Criminal Justice and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright Charles M. Katz July, 1994

Recommended Citation

Katz, Charles M., "The Reliability of Self-Reported Drug Use Measured Through The Drug Use Forecasting Program: A Multi-Trait Assessment" (1994). Student Work. 2017.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/studentwork/2017