Public and policy-facing writing on maternal and child health, nutrition, and gender-based violence, translating empirical research into accessible analysis for policy, advocacy, and public engagement. This work focuses on health inequities, maternal behaviour, and structural constraints shaping health outcomes across populations.
Key Areas
Maternal and perinatal health, respectful care, and patient experience
Child nutrition, infant feeding, and health behaviour in low- and middle-income countries
Gender-based violence and structural vulnerability
Health equity, communication, and access to care
Examines how clinical language and institutional practices shape experiences of pregnancy loss, highlighting gaps in empathy, communication, and respectful care. Emphasizes how health system norms can marginalize patients during moments of acute vulnerability. [Read article]
cite: Malhotra, N. (2024). Miscarriage in Silence: Intimate Loss and the Cold, Detached Language of Clinical Care. Global Voices, THRIVE, The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH), May 2024.
[Related Research → Hall, W. A., Malhotra, N., Clark, E., Hodge, K., Griffith, G., & Vedam, S. (2026). Inequities in care during pregnancy loss: empirical insights from experiences with Canadian perinatal care. Birth, 53, 215–223]
Analyzes the rise in gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on structural vulnerabilities, reduced access to support systems, and implications for health and social policy responses. [ ARTICLE ]
Cite: Malhotra, N. (2020). Violence Against Women and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Women’s Health Research Cluster, University of British Columbia, July 2020.
Argues that child malnutrition is not driven by income alone, highlighting the central role of maternal knowledge, behaviour, and access to health information in shaping feeding practices. [ARTICLE]
cite: Malhotra, N. (2012). Child Malnutrition: Wealth Isn’t the Only Problem. LiveMint / The Wall Street Journal, October 2012.
[Related Research] → Malhotra, N. (2013). Inadequate feeding of infant and young children in India: lack of nutritional information or food affordability? Public Health Nutrition, 16(10), 1723–1731. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980012004065
Examines the role of nutrition education and public health messaging in improving child feeding practices and reducing malnutrition in low-resource settings.
cite: Malhotra, N. (2012). Nutrition Education to Combat Child Malnutrition in India. Kaiser Global Health Update, October 2012.
[Related Research] → Malhotra, N. (2013). Inadequate feeding of infant and young children in India: lack of nutritional information or food affordability? Public Health Nutrition, 16(10), 1723–1731. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980012004065
Examines structural and pedagogical barriers faced by students with disabilities and neurodivergent learners in higher education, emphasizing the role of inaccessible environments, rigid instructional practices, and limited institutional support. The article highlights inclusive teaching strategies—such as flexible assessment, structured learning supports, and multimodal instruction—to improve access and participation across diverse learning needs.
cite: Malhotra, N., Av-Shalom, I., & Tatum, A. (2023). Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Barriers in Higher Ed for Students with Disabilities, Including Neurodivergent Learners. Faculty Focus, August 2023.
These pieces are closely connected to empirical research on maternal health, autonomy, and child nutrition.
[View Research Hub →https://www.nishamalhotra.com/research]