Lead supervisor:
Prof Lucy Griffiths 
Other supervisor(s):
- Dr Arron Lacey
Start date: January 2026 (Part time)
Award: General
Subject Pathway:
Health and Well-Being and Data Science
Thematic Cluster:
Society and Well-Being Cluster
In partnership with:
The Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Chronic Pain in the Paediatric and Adolescent Population of Wales: An Epidemiological Study.
This study aims to determine the prevalence of chronic pain among children and adolescents in Wales and examine trends over the past 15 years. It seeks to build on findings from Health and Care Research Wales (2023), which reported that approximately 15% of the Welsh population live with persistent pain. Notably, this report highlighted that the highest referral rates to specialist pain services occurred within younger age groups, underscoring the need for focused investigation. By identifying the proportion of children and young people affected by chronic pain and exploring demographic factors associated with increased risk, this study will provide essential evidence to inform targeted prevention strategies and improve access to appropriate care.
Research Impact
The overarching purpose of this research is to inform public health policy by identifying trends in what may be a rising population of children and adolescents experiencing chronic pain. The findings will provide valuable input into suggested measures that target those most at risk of developing chronic pain, with the hope of saving National Health Service costs and directing preventative management.
Bibliography
Health and Care Research Wales, 2023. Research finds 15% of people in Wales are living with long-term pain. Health and Care Research Wales. Available at: https://healthandcareresearchwales.org/about/news/persistent-pain
Biography
I am a PhD student studying Health, Well-being and Data Science at Swansea University, with a clinical background in paediatric physiotherapy. I hold a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Keele University and an MSc in Physiotherapy and Clinical Research with Distinction from Cardiff University. My research interests centre on chronic pain, paediatric health, population health inequalities, and the use of routinely collected healthcare data to improve outcomes for children and young people.
I combine extensive clinical experience across paediatric, orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, and acute care settings with a growing portfolio of research and academic leadership. I have published research exploring chronic pain and mental health among socially disadvantaged populations and presented this work at regional and national conferences. My current doctoral research focuses on understanding the epidemiology, characteristics, and healthcare pathways of chronic pain in children and adolescents in Wales.
Alongside my research, I am actively involved in professional leadership, serving as a clinical educator to Cardiff University, and a contributor to service development within the National Health Service. I am passionate about translating research into practice to improve the lives of children, young people, and families affected by long-term health conditions.