Self-reported Health Diagnoses and Demographic Correlates With Kratom Use: Results From an Online Survey

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether diagnosed pre-existing health conditions correlate with Kratom demographics and use patterns.

Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous US national online survey was conducted among 8049 Kratom users in October, 2016 to obtain demographic, health, and Kratom use pattern information.

Results: People who use Kratom to mitigate illicit drug dependence self-reported less pain and better overall health than individuals who used Kratom for acute/chronic pain. Self-reported improvements in pre-existing mental health symptoms (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder/attention deficit disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression) attributed to Kratom use were greater than those related to somatic symptoms (back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, chronic pain, fibromyalgia). Demographic variables, including female sex, older age, employment status, and insurance coverage correlated with increased likelihood of Kratom use.

Conclusions: Kratom use may serve as a self-treatment strategy for a diverse population of patients with pre-existing health diagnoses. Healthcare providers need to be engaging with patients to address safety concerns and potential limitations of its use in clinical practice for specific health conditions.

FIGURE 1.

(A) Self-reported pain rating by Kratom use condition. (B) Self-reported overall health rating by Kratom use condition. All values in percent of total respondents who used Kratom for this condition, multiple responses allowed (n = 598 for illicit drug dependence, n = 2007 for prescription drug dependence, n = 5348 for acute/chronic pain, n = 5213 for mental/emotional condition).

FIGURE 2.

Percent distribution of Likert scale responses to self-perceived changes in diagnosed health conditions.

FIGURE 3.

(A) Correlation of demographic variables with diagnosed somatic health conditions. (B) Correlation of demographic variables with diagnosed mental health conditions. (C) Correlation of demographic variables with a diagnosed SUD or no medical condition. All correlations used a Pearson chi-square test for nominal or linear-by-linear statistic for ordinal variables at a significance level of P < 0.05.