Ifunanya Clara Agu

Profile

I commenced my doctoral studies at the University of Leeds in October 2024 as a recipient of the split-site PhD scholarship awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom. My PhD program involves affiliations with two institutions: my primary affiliation is with the Institute of Public Health at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and my secondary affiliation is with the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences at the University of Leeds, UK.

My PhD research focuses on using a realist evaluation approach to assess existing health interventions addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study seeks to identify the mechanisms through which GBV interventions implemented in the state achieve their outcomes, as well as the contextual factors that influence their success or failure. The findings from this research could provide valuable insights for implementers in designing more effective and sustainable interventions that promote gender equity and inclusivity in the fight against GBV.

Research interests

Prior to starting my PhD at the University of Leeds, I was involved in several research projects and still work as a researcher at the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

My research interests include adolescent health, health promotion, maternal and child health, gender-based violence, community-embedded interventions, and the implications of health policy on equity in Nigeria. My scholarly output primarily explores factors that hinder the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents and young people, investigates healthcare corruption in Nigeria, examines power dynamics between healthcare providers/ caregivers and adolescents regarding their sexual and reproductive health, and addresses negative gender norms, and prevalent misconceptions regarding contraception/condom use. I work with a team of researchers who adapt different approaches to investigate these issues and develop effective interventions to address the identified problem.

As part of my PhD work, I have published a scoping review that synthesizes evidence on GBV interventions across West Africa, highlighting gaps in delivery mechanisms, evaluation strategies, and stakeholder engagement.

Beyond research, I have actively contributed to academic life at the University of Leeds through various teaching and leadership roles:

1. Tutor on the Enquire 1 module for Year 1 MBChB students, supporting inquiry-based learning and research literacy.
2. Tutor on the Patients and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) module for Year 3 MBChB students, facilitating discussions on ethical research and community engagement.
3. Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) Team Volunteer of the Deep End Leeds Research Team, contributing to research focused on community engagement and underserved populations.

Publication

Agu, I.C., Das, M., King, R. et al. A scoping review of interventions addressing gender-based violence in West Africa: examining typologies, delivery mechanisms, outcomes, and stakeholder involvement. Conflict and Health 19, 70 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-025-00712-x

Ifunanya Clara Agu (0000-0001-9048-064X) - ORCID

Qualifications

• BSc Public Health
• MSc. Health Promotion and Communication

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Health Sciences