The Short Barriers Questionnaire (SBQ): Validity, factor structure and correlates in an out-of-treatment sample of people dependent on methamphetamine

Abstract Introduction and aims We validate a brief questionnaire to assess barriers to help-seeking for illicit substance use, and to explore the factor structure of this scale and correlates of scale scores, among people dependent on methamphetamine. Design and methods We administered a modified version of 27 items from the Barriers Questionnaire to 145 adults who had used methamphetamine in the past month and who screened positive for methamphetamine dependence on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. We used an exploratory factor analysis to identify the scale's dimensions. We examined correlates of the scale scores, their internal consistency, and their concurrent validity against help-seeking intentions on the General Help Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ). Results A three factor model (χ2 = 308.6 df=168; RMSEA 0.08 [95% CI 0.06–0.09]; comparative fit index = 0.92) identified low perceived need for treatment (9 items), stigma (6 items), and apprehension about treatment (7 items) with Eigenvalues of 5.7, 3.8 and 2.3 respectively. The final 22-item scale had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.83) and correlated negatively with help-seeking intentions on the GHSQ (rs = −0.24 p  Discussion and conclusions This short version of the Barriers Questionnaire (the Short Barriers Questionnaire; SBQ) is an internally consistent and valid scale for assessing low perceived need for treatment among people who use methamphetamine. Further work is needed to capture and validate other barriers to help-seeking for this population.