What does specificity measure in substance use disorder screening?

Specificity is a key concept in the context of screening tests for substance use disorders. It specifically measures the proportion of true negatives among those who are screened. In simpler terms, specificity indicates how well the screening test correctly identifies individuals who do not have the disorder, essentially ensuring that those who are negative (do not have the condition) are accurately categorized as such. A high specificity means that the test has a low rate of false positives, which is crucial in avoiding unnecessary stress or interventions for individuals who are actually free from the condition.

In substance use disorder screenings, it's vital to distinguish those who genuinely do not have the disorder from those who might misrepresent their status. Therefore, specificity becomes an important measurement in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the screening tool used.