Original Research
Monday, November 13, 2023
01:00 PM–02:30 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Kratom is an herbal supplement gaining attention for its widespread accessibility and use in the self-treatment of opioid withdrawal and opioid use disorder. Past efforts have described the experiences of current and former kratom users, but research to characterize use across a population is limited.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What is the knowledge of kratom, as well as the attitudes and behaviors toward kratom, among patients seeking care through a rural community health center in Oregon?
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey
Methods: We developed and refined a 36-item survey to assess attitudes toward kratom, use of kratom, and kratom knowledge. We recruited and administered the survey alongside medical office appointments from January – April 2023. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 187 patients (of 906 patients on the clinic’s panel) were invited to participate, with 150 patients returning the survey (16.6% response rate). The majority of participants were female (n=77 of 149, 52.0%), Non-Hispanic white (n=128 of 148, 86.5%), and had a median income below the federal poverty level (FPL) (n=130; 105.5% of FPL). Seventeen participants reported experience with kratom, but only one was an active user. Pain was the most common reason to have tried kratom (n=8, 47.1%) followed by a mood or mental health condition (n=7, 41.2%). Engagement in the knowledge section of the survey varied, with 55 – 80 responses per question, but of those who participated, a minority of participants were able to answer at least 3 of 5 questions correctly (n=16 of 52, 30.8%).
Conclusion: Active kratom use was uncommon in this population, but about one in ten participants had tried kratom, often to manage pain or mental health conditions. Knowledge of kratom was also low. Future research should focus on understanding behaviors related to kratom and addressing knowledge gaps.
Presenting Author
Adriane Irwin MS, PharmDOregon State University/Oregon Health Science University
Authors
Kerri (Raven) Cauldron PharmD
Oregon State University College of Pharmacy
Natalea Suchy PharmD
Oregon State University College of Pharmacy