Factor Structure of CIWA-Ar in Alcohol Withdrawal

Abstract EN

Objective.

To identify the underlying factor structure of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, as measured with CIWA-Ar.

Methods.

Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the items of CIWA-Ar.

On 201 alcohol-dependent male patients seeking treatment for alcohol withdrawal at 36 hours of abstinence.

Results.

A three-factor solution was obtained that accounted for 68.74% of total variance.

First factor had loading from four items (34.34% variance), second factor also had four items (24.25% variance), and the third had two items (10.04% variance).

Conclusions.

Factor analysis reveals the existence of multidimensionality of alcohol withdrawal as measured with CIWA-Ar and we found three factors that can be named as delirious, autonomic and nonspecific factors.