Background: Despite growing use of computerized ambulatory monitoring in substance dependence research, little is known about the comparative feasibility and validity of these novel methods by substance type. This study compares the feasibility and validity of computerized ambulatory monitoring in outpatients seeking treatment for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or opiate dependence.
Methods: A total of 109 participants were recruited from an outpatient treatment center and completed standard clinical instruments followed by 2 weeks of computerized ambulatory monitoring of daily life experiences and substance use.
Results: Individuals with cannabis dependence had the lowest rates of study acceptance (31%) as well as compliance with the repeated electronic interviews (79.9%), while those with tobacco dependence had the highest rates (62% and 91.0%, respectively). Concurrent validity was found between scores from standard clinical instruments and similar constructs assessed in daily life, with no difference by substance group. While no fatigue effects were detected, change in some variables was observed as a function of time in the study.
Conclusions: Computerized ambulatory protocols are feasible and provide valid data in individuals with diverse forms of dependence, but compliance to repeated sampling methodology may vary by substance type.
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