The Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI): A Comparison of Cut-Points in First Nations Mi'kmaq and Non-Aboriginal Adolescents in Rural Nova Scotia

Important to the assessment of adolescent alcohol misuse is examination of alcohol-related problems. However, most measurement tools have only been validated among Euro-American cultures. The present study assessed the ability of the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) to identify problem drinkers among groups of First Nations Mi'kmaq and non-Aboriginal adolescents from rural Nova Scotia and compared cut-point scores across cultural groups. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed that the RAPI adequately distinguished between problem and non-problem drinkers in both groups with similar levels of precision. Cut-points were lower for First Nations Mi'kmaq as compared to non-Aboriginal adolescents. Results support the use of the RAPI with First Nations Mi'kmaq and non-Aboriginal adolescents and suggest that cut-points may need to be lowered for use with First Nations Mi'kmaq adolescents. Findings highlight the need for empirical examination of the cross-cultural psychometric applicability of alcohol assessment tools and cut-points among First Nations adolescents.