Neurocognitive Functioning In Ketum (Mitragyna Speciosa Korth) Leaf Users In Northern Parts Of Peninsular Malaysia
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Date
2012-07
Authors
Alamdari, Solmaz Azimi
Journal Title
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Abuse of ketum (Mitragyna speciosa Korth) has increased recently in Malaysia. While there are extensive pharmacological studies of ketum effects on animals, human studies on patterns of neuropsychological function of ketum leaf users are limited. To measure the neurocognitive function of ketum users in the northern parts of peninsular Malaysia and compare it with that of healthy non-drug users (control group) and heroin dependents, also to compare the neurocognitive function of long term and short term ketum users.
A cross sectional study conducted in three northern states of peninsular Malaysia using purposive sampling and chain referral methods and total of 116 participants (41 heroin dependents, 43 active ketum users, and 32 non drug users) were included. Five non verbal neuropsychological tests (Digit Span test, Block Design test, Ravens Progressive Matrices test, Benton Visual Form Discrimination test, and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test) were administered in all participants. All participants were males aged 18-65 years. Heroin participants were less educated, single, and more unemployed with lower income levels than the other two groups. Results showed a significantly poorer performance by ketum users on visuospatial perception ability measured by ROCF test compared to the heroin group.
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Keywords
Neurocognitive functioning in ketum leaf users , in northern parts of Peninsular Malaysia