What substance does this tool screen for?

Alcohol

Is this tool appropriate to use with people with HIV?

Yes, research findings support the use of the AUDIT-C among individuals with HIV. It has been used in numerous studies including those examining: 

• Individuals with HIV receiving care at a hospital-based program
• Individuals with HIV receiving outpatient care with the Veteran’s Service Administration

Who administers and scores the tool? 

• Optimally self-administered by clients either electronically or on paper.
• If screening verbally, by a staff person or health care provider who has been trained to administer the AUDIT-C, reading questions as written and not providing any additional information until after completion.
• Any staff person or health care provider can be trained to score the AUDIT-C.

Has this tool been validated?

Yes. For men, a score of 4 or more indicates a positive screen. This usage has sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 91%. For women, a score of 3 indicates a positive screen. This usage has 96% sensitivity and 89% specificity. In addition, the AUDIT-C has been found to perform well across ethnically and racially diverse populations.

Please see reference list: 31, 32, 33 and 34

Note: AUDIT-C is the first three questions of the longer AUDIT tool, which is a more comprehensive assessment of problem drinking.