Pattern and consequences of krathom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) use among male villagers in southern Thailand: a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
Krathom is currently the most popular illicit substance in use in southern Thailand. Research regarding its effects and health impacts is scarce. This study explored the pattern of krathom use and users' perceptions of the consequences of its use.


METHODS
An in-depth qualitative interview. A group of 34 self-identified regular users, occasional users, non-users and ex-users of krathom was used in this study. Health volunteer as a key-contact person helped the researcher to invite villagers to participate in the study using snowballing technique. The process of data analysis was guided by Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory.


RESULTS
The core category, 'Understanding krathom use', was generated from three inter-related categories: (i) reasons for continuing krathom use, (ii) the way of applying krathom, and (iii) perceiving positive and realizing the negative effects of krathom use and their 18 subcategories.


CONCLUSIONS
The study findings reveal the importance of considering krathom use from the perspective and belief of the villagers. Krathom is addictive with its own characteristic symptoms and signs. The results provide support for policy interventions to control the availability of krathom according to the community context. In addition, krathom misuse by adolescents must be considered.
Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
Darika
D
Saingam
Sawitri
S
Assanangkornchai
Alan F
AF
Geater
Quantar
Q
Balthip
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D032065:Mitragyna / Q000737:chemistry*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D012424:Rural Population; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology
D013287:Illicit Drugs