May 2025
Exploring perinatal loneliness as a key social determinant of perinatal mental ill health in the UK
Findings from a multidisciplinary consensus statement exercise that mapped knowledge about measurement, prevalence, antecedents, impacts and interventions, and agreed future priorities for research, policy and practice
Published in BMJ Open.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085669.
This multidisciplinary consensus statement explores perinatal loneliness as a social determinant of perinatal mental ill health in the UK. It maps current knowledge about measurement, prevalence, antecedents, impacts, and interventions, drawing on academics, practitioners, and lived-experience input.
The paper highlights evidence gaps and sets priorities for future research, policy, and practice, including stronger secondary data analysis, attention to equality and inclusion, co-produced interventions, and rigorous evaluation of existing support.