In a test-retest study conducted in conjunction with the pretest for the NLAES, the family history items generally showed good to excellent reliability, with kappas of 0.70 or higher for most types of first-degree relatives (e.g., 0.72 for fathers, 1.00 for mothers, 0.90 for brothers, and 0.73 for sisters). Slightly lower kappa values were obtained for sons and daughters (0.65 for each). For the purpose of this study, a respondent was classified as FHP if any first-degree relative of the respondent was reported as having been alcoholic or a problem drinker.
