[Factorial validation of the alcohol expectancy questionnaire (AEQ-III), in adults living in Bucaramanga, Colombia].

BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption is associated to expectancies of global positive behavioral changes, improvement in sexual performance and a higher level assertiveness. These issues are evaluated by the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ-III). AIM To perform a factorial validation of the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ-III). MATERIALS AND METHODS The questionnaire was applied to a representative sample of 601 subjects aged 18 to 60 years (334 males). These subjects also answered a socioeconomic questionnaire. The significant variables of the questionnaire were selected using an exploratory factorial analysis. Based on the selected variables, the verification was performed using multiple models of structural equations. Four factors, namely decrease in physical tension, decrease in psychological tension, increase in expressivity and sexuality and inhibition and feelings of power, were identified as significant. RESULTS The factorial solution explains 59% of the variance. All the factors are conceptually and statistically consistent, with a Cronbach alpha ranging between 0.75 and 0.83. The global internal consistency was of 0.85. Pearson correlation coefficient among factors ranged between 0.45 and 0.74. There was a significant difference among socioeconomic levels for the factors lack of inhibition and feelings of power and decrease of psychological tension. Goodness of fit statistics and parsimony were high, ranging from 0.80 to 0.93. CONCLUSIONS The expectancy decrease of physical tension and decrease of psychological tension are a part of individual behavior and could predict problem drinking. The factors increase of expressiveness and sexuality and lack of inhibition and feelings of power, are more associated to group behaviors.