Validation of the Risk and Protective Factors Inventory(RAPI)

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure, reliability and construct validity of of the Risk and Protective factors Inventory (RAPI ) and to develop a short form it. The RAPI was developed by Mohammadkhani (2005) and consists of 125 Likert-type items arranged on a 5-point response set. A sample of 480 at risk student of high schools was completed Risk and Protective factors Inventory (RAPI) and demoghraphic questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis via the principal components method was run to determine factor structure and Confirmatory factor analysis used for study of construct validity of instrument. Result of Exploratory factor analysis revealed a nine factors structure that accounted for 62% of the total variance.
A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis of the instrument yielded the result that all items have a significant factor loading and suggested a good fit of the data to this model. The findings indicate RAPI is a valid instrument for assess risk and protective factors related with drug use. The Cronbach α coefficients were 0.84 for the overall (RAPI). The RAPI is an individualized screening instrument that has shown acceptable psychometric properties, and is based on a risk and protective factor model of adolescent substance use. This screen will serve as a first step in a comprehensive assessment of adolescent's who are at risk of substance use behaviors. Researchers can use this instrument for assess the needs of target population and results of prevention programs.