Validation of the Alcohol Use Questionnaire (AUQ) in the Italian Context: A Measure for Assessing Alcohol Intake and Binge Drinking

TL;DR

The study validates an Italian version of a questionnaire to assess alcohol consumption and binge drinking, showing it is reliable and useful for research and clinical settings.

Contribution

The study provides validation of the Alcohol Use Questionnaire in the Italian context, confirming its reliability and construct validity.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analysis supported a bifactor model with general intake and binge drinking dimensions.

Network analysis identified perceived frequency of intoxication as central to alcohol-related behaviors.

AUQ indices showed good internal consistency and significant associations with psychological vulnerabilities.

Abstract

An accurate assessment of alcohol consumption is essential for identifying at-risk individuals and informing prevention and intervention strategies. The present study aimed to validate the Italian version of the Alcohol Use Questionnaire (AUQ), a self-report instrument designed to assess both general alcohol intake and binge drinking patterns. A sample of 378 Italian participants (54.5% female; Mage = 26.76 years, SD = 8.44) completed the AUQ along with additional measures assessing binge eating and psychological vulnerabilities related to addiction. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a bifactor model reflecting two distinct but related dimensions: general intake and binge drinking. Network analysis highlighted the central role of perceived frequency of intoxication within the structure of alcohol-related behaviors. Both AUQ indices showed good internal consistency and significant associations with external variables, particularly impulsivity, dissociation, and affect dysregulation, supporting construct validity. The Italian AUQ emerges as a valid and reliable tool for assessing alcohol use patterns and may be useful in both research and clinical practice.

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