University of Bristol

Academic Institute

Gwen FernandesProfessor Laura Howe

B3745

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood such as experiencing abuse or neglect; witnessing violence at home; or having a family member incarcerated or addicted to substances such as drugs or alcohol. In the UK, 50% of Welsh adults (Public Health Wales 2018) and 47% of English adults (Bellis et al., 2014) have experienced at least one ACE during childhood. The cumulative effect of multiple, overlapping ACEs, have been shown to increase the risk and severity of chronic conditions including cancer, heart disease and chronic pain including musculoskeletal conditions in adults but we do not know what the effects are more immediately, within childhood and adolescence.

This research will offer insights into the potential mechanism of action between adversity and pain outcomes in children, specifically mediated via mental health profiles. We could use the results generated from ALSPAC to better inform intervention strategies for pain management with meaningful clinical and empirical value in children and adolescents with persistent pain conditions.

29/03/2021