Addictive behaviors in Hungary: the methodology and sample description of the National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary (NSAPH)

Abstract

Our study reports general methodological considerations and main methodological results of the National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary (NSAPH 2007). The introduction briefly defines the objectives of the study, and then the steps of implementation of the survey, the strategy used for sample selection and applied measures are described. Beside smoking, alcohol consumption and illegal substance use the following behavioral addictions were assessed: pathological gambling (SOGS), eating disorders (SCOFF), problem internet use (PIUQ), exercise addiction (EAI, EDS), compulsive buying (QABB), and work addiction (WART). Psychological scales applied were the SCL-90, Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Among methodological results of the survey, results concerning subject participation rates, reliability and validity of the measures are reported. Based on these data we can conclude that our sample is representative of age and territorial distribution, indices concerning reliability and validity of the measures are satisfactory and all applied scales have outstanding psychometric qualities. On these grounds, present study provides an opportunity to generalize results of the survey to the entire population of Hungary and to interpret them in a wider chronological and international context. © 2009 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest.