US and UK college students’ experiences of living with chronic pain: A qualitative analysis

<b>Objective</b>: To understand the lived experiences and needs of college students with chronic pain living in the US and the UK. <b>Participants:</b> College students (<i>n</i> = 115), mean age 21.4 years (SD = 1.73). <b>Methods:</b> As part of a larger survey, students were asked: (1) How, if at all, living with pain impacted their college experience; (2) Support they did/did not receive from students, faculty, staff, and college services; (3) What support would be most helpful to them as a college student living with pain. Qualitative data were analyzed using an immersion/crystallization approach. <b>Results:</b> Four main themes were identified: (1) Stress resulting from the rigid demands of academic life can exacerbate pain; (2) Lack of communication leaves many students feeling isolated; (3) Frustration at lack of faculty support; and (4) Need for chronic pain to be recognized. <b>Conclusions:</b> The findings suggest areas for intervention to support college students living with pain during this defining period.