[Screening for alcohol-related disorders: Hungarian adaptation of the CAGE].

Abstract

The CAGE scale, which was developed in the 1970s and consists of four items designed to screen alcoholism and related problems, has not yet been adapted for Hungary. In a research project carried out in a nationally representative sample, the authors tested the validity of CAGE, comparing the results with another widely used screening test (AUDIT). The reliability and validity of the CAGE test is regarded to be excellent. Comparing the diagnostic reliability of the two instruments, we found that 94% of the subjects were classified by these scales similarly into problem and non-problem drinking groups. According to the CAGE test 85 persons (7.1%) were classified as problem drinkers, compared to 99 persons in the case of AUDIT. On the basis of the study, we recommend the use of CAGE for the quick screening of severe clinical cases among middle-aged or older persons, in whom direct questions concerning drinking habits may provoke resistance.