Table 1 Description of scales and indices included in study
Scale/Index Name | Abbreviation | Definition | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
Emotional Problem Scale | EPS α = 0.81 | Average (expressed as a percent) of items for the recency and days (during the past 90): bothered by or kept from responsibilities because of emotional problems, disturbed by memories, and having problems paying attention or with self-control | Higher values indicate greater emotional problems. Values range from 0-100, with values greater than 14 indicating high severity of issues that should be taken into consideration in treatment planning. |
Mental Health Treatment Index | MHTI | Percentage of days in the past 90 in which a client received mental health treatment, including days on medication | Higher scores indicate more involvement in mental health treatment in the past 90 days |
Substance Problem Scale | SPS α = 0.83 | The average number of past month symptoms of substance use disorders and substance induced social, health and psychological disorders based on the DSM-5. | Higher scores on this scale represent greater severity of drug problems. The scale includes physiological, psychological and social criteria, as well as an item on comorbid use with drugs that is likely to exacerbate the other problems |
Substance Frequency Scale | SFS α = 0.72 | The average percentage of days out of the past 90 reporting alcohol or other drug (AOD) use, heavy AOD use, and problems from AOD use. | Higher scores represent increasing frequency of substance use, days staying high most of the day, and days causing problems. People with scores over 0.14 may have considerable difficulty stopping without significant assistance. |
Treatment Motivation Index | TMI | Count of items endorsed regarding the client’s perception of sources of external pressure to be in treatment and their own need for treatment, support for treatment, and hope for help through treatment. | Higher scores on this scale suggest more motivation for the individual to be in treatment. |
Self-Help Involvement Scale | SHIS α = 0.91 | Indicates level of involvement and participation in self-help activities. | A higher score indicates more involvement. |