Demographic and behavioral factors associated with kratom use among U.S. college students.

Objective : Kratom use represents a growing risk for public health. The present study examined demographic and behavioral factors linked with kratom use. Participants: Participants were college students in the United States who participated in the 2019-2020 Healthy Minds Study. Methods : Participants completed survey-based assessment of kratom use and related demographic, behavioral, and mental health variables. Results : Kratom use was linked with being White, male or transgender/gender nonconforming, identifying as a sexual minority, use of alcohol or marijuana, and depressive symptoms. Kratom use was not uniquely linked to exercise or anxiety. Conclusions : The results of the present study can be used to inform initial targeting of efforts to reduce kratom use among college students.