Exploratory factor analysis and validation study of the lifetime severity index for cocaine, Spanish version (LSI-C-Spanish).

The purpose of the study was to do an exploratory factor analysis and to examine the criterion-related and discriminant validity of the Lifetime Severity Index for Cocaine (LSI-C), Spanish version. A sample of 171 outpatients from 10 drug centers in Spain participated in the study. We conducted the factor analysis with orthogonal rotation and examined correlations between the LSI-C total score and criterion variables as well as the score obtained by a quality of life measure. The factor analysis revealed 2 principal factors that explain 65.8% of the variance. Lower LSI-C scores were associated with taking medication, receiving social help, using cocaine fewer than 30 times during the previous 6 months, and with better scores on quality of life measures. Higher LSI-C scores were associated with unstable housing, overdose, hospitalization, cocaine consumption more than 100 times during the previous 6 months, and more years of drug consumption. The LSI-C Spanish version shows acceptable criterion-related and discriminant validity.