RESUMEN
Background. When screening instruments that are used in the assessment and diagnosis of alcoholism of individuals from different ethnicities, some cultural variables based on norms and societal acceptance of drinking behavior can play an important role in determining the outcome. The accepted diagnostic criteria of current market testing are based on Western standards. Methods. In this study, the Munich Alcoholism Test (31 items) was the base instrument applied to subjects from several Hispanic-American countries (Bolivia, Chile Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru). After the sample was submitted to several statistical procedures, these 31 items were reduced to a culture-Free, 31-item test named the Cross-Cultural Alcohol Screening Test (CCAST). Results. The results of this Hispanic-American sample (n= 2,107) empirically demonstrated that CCAST measures alcoholism with an adecuate degreen of accuracy when compared to other available cross-cultural test. Conclusions. CCAST is useful in the diagnosis of alcoholism in Spanish-speaking immigrants living in countries where English is spoken. CCAST cas be used in general hospitals, psychiatric wards, emergency services and police stations. The test can be useful for other professionals, such as psychological consultants, researchers, and those conductin expertise appraisal