Prevalence and psycho-social determinants of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) juice cocktail consumption among youth in Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Abstract

© 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of Kratom juice cocktail (KJC) consumption among youth and psychosocial determinants using a cross-sectional community-based study design. A total of 468 adolescents in Surat Thani Province were selected using simple random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used, and multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors related to the KJC consumption. The findings suggest that the prevalence of KJC use was high (31.4%), while self-efficacy (AOR = 12.95, 95% CI = 1.64–102.35), attitude toward KJC (AOR = 30.14, 95% CI = 6.91–131.53), self-regulation (AOR = 23.80, 95% CI = 3.11–182.28), and existence of peers drinking KJC (AOR = 32.46, 95% CI = 4.86–216.58) were strongly associated with KJC drinking behavior of youth. Youth who drink alcohol (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI = 1.07–25.63), who are employed and have an income (AOR = 4.02, 95% CI = 1.07–15.13) were more likely to drink KJC. Increasing self-efficacy and developing better self-regulation skills to resist the urge to drink KJC in high-risk situations, formulating correct attitudes against drug use, and increasing surveillance of illegal drug use may drive down harmful drug use among youth. In addition, as friends influence KJC consumption, peer education can be used as a KJC consumption prevention strategy.