A study on psycho-social determinants of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) juice cocktail consumption among youth in Suratthani province, Thailand

Abstract

The 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 a simple random sampling technique and they were asked to complete a questionnaire, which was developed by researchers during February, 2016 to March, 2016. Self-report questionnaires were used and descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. The data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression model by SPSS 22 to identify the demographic and psychosocial factors related to the KJC use. The prevalence of KJC user was high (31.4%). Regarding psychosocial factors, self-efficacy (AOR= 12.95, 95% CI= 1.64-102.35), attitude toward KJC (AOR= 30.14, 95% CI= 6.91-131.53) and self-regulation (AOR= 23.80, 95% CI= 3.11-182.28) are strongly associated with KJC consumption among 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), and who have peers drinking KJC (AOR= 32.46, 95% CI= 4.86-216.58) are more likely to drink KJC. The findings suggest that existence of occupation and income, alcohol drinking behavior, self-efficacy, attitude toward KJC, self-regulation, existence of peers drinking KJC were strongly associated with KJC drinking behavior of youths. 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 legal drug use may drive down harmful drug use among young people. In addition, as friends influence their KJC consumption, peer education can be used as a KJC consumption prevention strategy;