title: Factor Analytical Investigation of Krathom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Withdrawal Syndrome in Thailand.
abstract: Krathom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is an addictive and illicit substance used in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. It has become the most commonly used substance among villagers. The study aimed to explore the factor structure of the krathom withdrawal syndrome based on the findings of an earlier qualitative study. The current study was divided into two stages. Cross-sectional data collections were employed in both phases. The samples comprised, respectively, 196 and 330 krathom users aged over 25 years. The characteristics of krathom withdrawal symptoms and signs were identified and the factor structure examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to examine the construct validity and multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors predicting the intensity of krathom withdrawal symptoms. The final scale comprised 20 items with four factors: craving-fatigue syndrome; musculoskeletal system and insomnia; mood symptoms; and autonomic nervous system/physical sickness. Symptoms and signs of krathom withdrawal similar to those of the withdrawal syndrome of opioid substances appear to be present in regular krathom users. The krathom withdrawal intensity is predicted by duration of krathom use, frequency, and daily amount of krathom use.
authors.affiliation: a Researcher, Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine , Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai , Songkhla , Thailand.
authors.forename: Darika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Saingam
authors.affiliation: b Associate Professor, Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine , Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai , Songkhla , Thailand.
authors.forename: Sawitri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Assanangkornchai
authors.affiliation: c Senior Lecturer, Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine , Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai , Songkhla , Thailand.
authors.forename: Alan F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Geater
authors.affiliation: d Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai , Songkhla , Thailand.
authors.forename: Sanguan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lerkiatbundit
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D032065:Mitragyna / Q000737:chemistry*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013785:Thailand
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs
keywords: Krathom; Mitragyna speciosa korth; withdrawal syndrome