Research

Research Fields

Empirical Development Economics, Economics of Health, Economics of Gender, Health Economics, Health Policy.

Google Scholar profile

Peer-Reviewed Research Articles 

* indicates corresponding author(s)

1. Babbar, K.*, Bodas, M., & Puro, N. (Accepted). Negotiating Choice: Unpacking the linkages between Women's Relative Resources and Contraceptive Decision Making in India. Sociology.

2. Chakrabarty, M., Babbar, K.*, Singh, A. (2025). Reconceptualizing menstrual health and hygiene among young women in India. (Link). npj Women’s Health.

3. Ojha, M.*, & Babbar, K. (2024). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use decision and domestic violence. Economics and Human Biology. (Link).

4. Babbar, K.*, Singh, V., & Sivakami, M. (2024). Rising Premature Menopause and Variations by Education Level in India. Scientific Reports. (Link).

Media Coverage: Telegraph India, The Medical News.

5. Babbar, K.*, Vandana., & Arora, A. (2023). Bleeding at the margins: Understanding period poverty among SC and ST women using decomposition analysis. Journal of Development Studies. (Link).

6. Babbar, K.*, & Dev, P. (2023). Period Products during the Pandemic: The Impact of Lockdowns on Period Products Usage. Applied Economics. (Link).

Media Coverage: ET Health World, EdexLive.

7. Babbar, K.*, Swathysree, SS., Nandhuri, K. (2023). Navigating through menstrual health experiences of individuals who menstruate during the lockdown: A study from India. Culture, Health & Sexuality. (Link).

8. Babbar, K.*, Das, U., Ashraf, S., Shpenev, A., & Bicchieri, C. (2023). Unlocking the Role of Social Norms: How They Shape Women’s Public Toilet Usage in India. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. (Link).

9. Babbar, K.*, & Garikapati, S. (2023). What Socio-Demographic Factors Support Sustainable Menstrual Choices? Evidence from India’s National Family Health Survey. PLOS One. (Link).

10. Babbar, K.*, Rustagi, N., Dev, P. (2022). How COVID-19 lockdown has impacted the sanitary pads distribution among adolescent girls and women in India? Journal of Social Issues. (Link).

11. Singh, V.*, & Babbar, K. (2022). Empowered but abused? A moderated mediation analysis to explore the relationship between Wife’s Relative Resources, Relational Empowerment, and Physical Abuse. Social Science & Medicine. (Link).

12. Babbar, K.*, Saluja, D., Sivakami, M. (2021). How socio-demographic and mass-media factors impact sanitary items usage among women in rural and urban India. Waterlines, 40(3),160-178. (Link).

Short Commentary 

* indicates corresponding author(s)

1. Babbar, K.*, Varansi, P., & Martin, J. (2023). Inclusion means everyone: standing up for transgender and non-binary individuals who menstruate worldwide. The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia. (Link).

2. Babbar, K.*, Martin, J., Ruiz, J., Parray, A., & Sommer, M. (2022). Menstrual Health is a Public Health and Human Rights issue. Lancet Public Health, 7(1), e10-11. (Link).

3. Martin, J.*, Babbar, K., & Maschette, U. (2022). Menstrual health requires a commitment beyond policies that target affordability.  British Medical Journal. (Link).

Policy Briefs

1. Babbar, K.*, & Ojha, M. (2023). Towards an Inclusive National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene. ORF Issue Brief No. 675, November 2023, Observer Research Foundation. (Link).

2. Babbar, K.*, & Sivakami, M. (2023). Promoting Menstrual Health: Towards Sexual and Reproductive Health for All. ORF Issue Brief No. 613, February 2023, Observer Researcher Foundation. (Link). 

3. Mai, HNA., Temesgen, M., Ilori, T; Fonteyne, L; Wilson, S; Martin, J; Carson, C; Moss, R; Babbar, K. (2023). Scottish Local Authorities Implementation Policy Assessment Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. Pandemic Periods. (Link).

Book Chapters

1. Babbar, K. The Premature Menopause Paradox in India: Unpacking Socioeconomic, Cultural, and Healthcare Dimensions. The Routledge Handbook of the Anthropology of Menstruation. (Invitation Accepted and Manuscript in Progress)

2. Babbar, K. (Accepted). Menstrual Health and Hygiene for Humanitarian Disasters and Settings. The Sage Encyclopaedia of Menstruation and Society. (Expected Publication: Feb 2026)

3. Babbar, K., & Garikipati, S. (Forthcoming). Achieving Sustainable Menstrual Health for All: Investigating Menstrual Cup Take up in India. Routledge Handbook of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Research and Policy. (Expected Publication: Mar 2025)

4. Singh, V., Acharya, S., & Babbar, K. (2021). Sexual and Reproductive Health of Elderly – A Neglected Aspect of Public Health. Rural Elderly and Their Quest for Health. Authors Upfront.

Peer-Reviewed Conference Presentations

1. Babbar, K. (Jul, 2025). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. 7th International Conference on Public Policy, International Public Policy Association.

2. Babbar, K. (Jul, 2025). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. International Association of Feminist Economics (IAFFE) Annual Meeting at University of Massachusetts - Amherst, United States.

3. Babbar, K. (Jun, 2025). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. Development Studies Association (DSA) 2025, University of Bath.

4. Dev, P., & Babbar, K. (Jun, 2025). Shame, Social Norms, and Strategic Targeting: A Game-Theoretic and Empirical Study of Sexual Harassment. Development Studies Association (DSA) 2025, University of Bath.

5. Babbar, K. (Feb, 2025). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. 2nd Meeting of Young Minds in Frontiers of Economics, INET-YSI and IIT Bombay.

6. Babbar, K. (Dec, 2024). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. BREW-ESA 2024, Ashoka University.

7. Babbar, K. (Dec, 2024). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. Winter School 2024 by Centre for Development Studies, Delhi School of Economics.

8. Babbar, K., Arif, A., Das, S., & Sivakami, M. Menstrual Health and Hygiene Practices in India: A Comparative Analysis of Migrant and Non-Migrant Women. Fourth Annual International Migration Conference “Mobility in a Changing World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Management, Social Dynamics and Environmental Sustainability”, OP Jindal Global University. (presented by co-author).

9. Babbar, K. (Dec, 2024). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. India Management Research Conference (IMRC 2024), IIM Ahmedabad.

10. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (Aug, 2024). Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge- The shield against domestic violence? Examining the causal link between ovulatory cycle knowledge and domestic violence. Asian Meeting of Econometric Society 2024.

11. Babbar, K. (July, 2024). Unpacking the Period Paradox: Examining the causal linkages between Menstrual Health and Hygiene and Mental Health Outcomes in Nepal. Development Economics Workshop, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India.

12. Babbar, K., Dev, P., & Garikipati, S. (June, 2024). Unlocking the silent wombs: Unravelling the Drivers Behind the Surge in Hysterectomy in India. Development Studies Association (DSA) 2024.

13. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (May, 2024). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. Society of Economics of the Household (SEHO) 2024. (presented by co-author).

14. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (February, 2024). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. Population Association of America (PAA) 2024.

15. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (January, 2024). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. Asian Meeting of the Econometric Society at IIT Delhi. 

16. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (January, 2024). Men Too: Predators in Public Transport do not Discriminate. 5th Annual Economics Conference, Ahmedabad University. 

17. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (January, 2024). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. Global Conclave 2024 on “Advancing Human Development in the Global South” at India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi. 

18. Babbar, K., & Ojha, M. (January, 2024). Towards improved menstrual health: The causal impact of period products on reproductive tract infections. Global Conclave 2024 on “Advancing Human Development in the Global South” at India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi. 

19. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (December, 2023). Knowledge is Power: Does Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge helps in improving reproductive health and empowerment-related outcomes? 18th Annual Conference on Economic Growth and Development at ISI Delhi. 

20. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (December, 2023). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. 18th Annual Conference on Economic Growth and Development at ISI Delhi. 

21. Babbar, K., & Garikipati, S. (October, 2023). Achieving Sustainable Menstrual Health for All: Investigating Menstrual Cup takeup in India. International Digital Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals.

22. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (August, 2023). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. International Conference on Empirical Economics hosted by Pennsylvania State University at Altoona (USA). (presented by co-author).

23. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (July, 2023). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. 15th IHEA World Congress.

24. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (June, 2023). Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use and domestic violence. Gender & Economics Workshop, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India. (presented by co-author).

25. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (January, 2023). Knowledge is Power: Does Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge helps in improving reproductive health and empowerment-related outcomes? Asian Meeting of the Econometric Society.

26. Babbar, K., Sharma, S. & Gupta, V. (January, 2023). Understanding the complex relationship between Homophobic Bullying and Depression. A moderated-mediation approach. 8th Indian Academy of Management (INDAM), organized by School of Business (SBM), Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS). 

27. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (January, 2023). Knowledge is Power: Does Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge helps in improving reproductive health and empowerment-related outcomes? 4th Annual Economics Conference, organized by Ahmedabad University.

28. Ojha, M., & Babbar, K. (December, 2022). Examining the causal link between contraceptive usage and intimate partner violence: Evidence from India. Indian Public Policy Network (IPPN) 2022 Conference, organized by Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. 

29. Babbar, K., Sharma, S. & Gupta, V. (December, 2022). Understanding the complex relationship between Homophobic Bullying and Depression. A moderated-mediation approach. Indian Public Policy Network (IPPN) 2022 Conference, organized by Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

30. Babbar, K., & Sharma, S. (August, 2022). Understanding the complex relationship between Homophobic Bullying and Depression. A moderated-mediation approach. 82nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AoM). (Link).

31. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (June, 2022). Period Products during the Pandemic: The Impact of Lockdowns on Period Product Usage. 30th IAFFE Annual Conference. (Link)

32. Babbar, K., Sharma, S., & Shukla, K. (April, 2022). Peer Aggression And Student Engagement: Mediating Role Of Culture Of Equity And Teasing And Bullying. American Educational Research Association (AERA).

33. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (March, 2022). Period Products during the Pandemic: The Impact of Lockdowns on Period Products Usage. 3rd Annual Conference in Economics and Finance Department of Economics and Finance, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus in Collaboration with Economics Association. 

34. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (February, 2022). Period Products during the Pandemic: The Impact of Lockdowns on Period Products Usage. 3rd ANNUAL ECONOMICS CONFERENCE, Ahmedabad University.

35. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (January, 2022). Period Products during the Pandemic: The Impact of Lockdowns on Period Products Usage. Indian Health Economics and Policy Association.  

36. Babbar, K. (January, 2022). Menstrual Health during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Survey Study in India. 7th Biennial Conference of the Indian Academy of Management (INDAM).

37. Babbar, K., & Dev, P. (January, 2022). Modelling the impact of Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge on the number of children and age of women at first birth: New evidence from Instrumental variable approach. 7th Biennial Conference of the Indian Academy of Management (INDAM).

38. Kumar, N., Babbar, K., & Shukla, K. (December, 2021). Measuring management student's experiences: Exploring Indian Management College Climate Scale. Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE).

39. Babbar, K. (2021). Taboos and Myths as a mediator of the Relationship between Menstrual Practices and Menstrual Health. 14th European Public Health Conference. (Link).

40. Babbar, K., & Sharma, S. (August, 2021). Understanding the complex relationship between Homophobic Bullying and Depression. A moderated-mediation approach. XVI International Conference on Public Policy and Management.

41. Bhalla, R., & Babbar, K. (August, 2021). Social Support and Acceptance promotes Mental health and Well-being: Exploring the Coming out Experiences of LGBTQIA+ Community. XVI International Conference on Public Policy and Management.

42. Babbar, K., & Shukla, K.D. (August, 2021). Authoritative School Climate, Culture of Equity and Parental Involvement. 4th Future of Education Conference 2021.

43. Babbar, K., & Shukla, K. D. (April, 2021). Instructional Practices as a mediator of the relationship between Authoritative School Climate and Student Engagement. American Educational Research Association (AERA).

44. Babbar, K., & Shukla, K. D. (April, 2021). Culture of Equity as a Mediator of the relationship between School Leadership and Bullying. Comparative and International Education Society.

45. Babbar, K. (April, 2021). Decomposition of Socio-Economic and Mass-Media factors to understand inequality in sanitary items usage in India: A cross-sectional study of girls aged 15-24. Comparative and International Education Society.

46. Babbar, K. (March, 2021). Menstural Health during COVID-19 lockdown. India Public Policy Network (IPPN) Annual Conference, 2021.

47. Babbar, K., Rustagi, N. (March, 2021). COVID-19, Lockdown, and Access to Menstrual Products in India. 6th Asia Pacific Public Policy Network (AP-PPN) Annual Conference.

48. Babbar, K. (November, 2020). The Mediating Role of Gender-based Bullying in understanding the relationship between Homophobic Bullying and Depression. Sixth Annual Seminar In the Social Sciences at Monk Prayogshala.

49. Babbar, K., Saluja, D. (August, 2020). How Socio-Demographics Impact Sanitary Items Usage and Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge Among Women Aged 15-24: Findings from NFHS-4 Survey. XV International Conference on Public Policy and Management.

50. Singh, V. & Babbar, K. (August, 2020). Women’s relative resources, empowerment and physical abuse in Indian context: Moderating role of husband’s patriarchal attitude. XV International Conference on Public Policy and Management.