IAHS STUDENTSHIP: The role of adversity in early life in developing chronic pain in adulthood

The World Health Organisation describes adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as the commonest and most intense childhood stressors. About half of people experience at least one and those exposed to several are more likely to suffer health problems later in life, including chronic pain, misuse of pain medications and polysubstance dependence.

Recent evidence in young people suggests that ACEs are associated with an exposure-dependent increase in the prevalence of chronic pain. ACEs are emerging as leading contributors to multiple health disparities, disproportionately affecting the poorest in society. However, although there is increasing recognition that ACEs contribute to health inequalities, there is a lack of widespread screening, which might otherwise enable stratified health interventions. There are several reasons for this including inconsistencies regarding ACE assessment and poor understanding of additional factors that may contribute to vulnerability to ACE exposure.

We are part of the UKRI funded Consortium Against Pain InEQualities (CAPE), the aim of which is to determine whether exposure to ACEs, contributes to inequalities in chronic pain, its treatment and adverse outcomes of opioid analgesics, influenced by vulnerabilities to early life stress. Within this consortium the work of the epidemiology group at the University of Aberdeen seeks to identify large population cohort studies worldwide, examining associations between ACE exposure, adverse events in adulthood, chronic pain and opioid analgesic treatment in those exposed to ACEs. We also seek to enrich the data which some of these cohorts collect on ACEs and chronic pain. To date we have identified sixteen cohorts which have data which can contribute to the study objectives. We are now also undertaking some preliminary qualitative work to review evidence on people’s experience of ACEs and their relationship to the subsequent development of chronic pain.

This PhD will focus on one aspect of the quantitative or qualitative work being undertaken and the precise work will depend on the interests and background of the candidate. Information on CAPE and the APDP are available at: Consortium Against Pain InEquality (CAPE) | The Institute of Applied Health Sciences | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk)

Candidate Background:

• Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

For further project information please contact Dr Kate Timmins ([Email Address Removed])

Candidates should contact the lead supervisor to discuss the project in advance of submitting an application, as supervisors will be expected to provide a letter of support for suitable applicants.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

International applicants are eligible to apply for this studentship but will have to find additional funding to cover the difference between overseas and home fees (approximately £14,000 per annum).

• Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• You should apply for Applied Health Science (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.
• Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and exact project title on the application form. If you do not mention the project title and the supervisor on your application, it will not be considered for the studentship.
• Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.
• Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
• Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application
• General application enquiries can be made to [Email Address Removed]