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Anthony Obinna Iwuagwu

Anthony Obinna Iwuagwu

PhD Candidate
Arts, Design & Architecture
School of Social Sciences

Email: a.iwuagwu@unsw.edu.au

Supervisors: Abner Weng Cheong Poon, Elizabeth Fernandez

Anthony Obinna Iwuagwu is a PhD candidate and sessional academic in the School of Social Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. Anthony's doctoral research explores the caregiving experiences of older African migrants and their care networks in Australia, with the aim of informing culturally responsive care strategies within the Australian aged care system. Anthony holds a double Master’s degree: an MSc in Social Gerontology from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom, and an MSc in Social Work from the University of Nigeria. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Nigeria. Prior to commencing his doctoral studies, he served as a lecturer and field placement supervisor at the University of Nigeria, where he was actively involved in the integration of theory and practice in social work education. He has published in reputable peer-reviewed journals and is actively engaged in community-based initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of marginalised populations. His academic and professional work reflects a sustained commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in social care.

Caregiving for older adults

Journal Articles

  • Iwuagwu, A. O. (2025). Afro-Centric Care Matching Strategies - A Potential Approach to Providing Culturally Appropriate Older Adult Care. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2025.2471468
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Fernandez, E. & Poon, A.W.C. (2025). ‘More blessing than burden’ African family carers’ beliefs and experiences caring for their older relatives in New South Wales, Australia. BMC Nursing 24, 1215. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03884-2
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Poon, A. W. C & Fernandez, E (2025). Experiences of Caregiving and Service use Among Ethnic Migrant Older Adults and Their Caregivers in Western Countries: A Scoping Review. Journal of Population Ageing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-024-09474-5
  • Anieto, E. M., Dall, P. M., Abaraogu, U., Chastin, S., Anieto, I. B., Longworth, G. R., Adandom, I. I., Onyeso, O. K., Iwuagwu, A. O., Smith, N., Francis, K., Ndubuaku, M., Odom, M. C., & Seenan, C. (2025). The effectiveness of co-created lifestyle interventions in improving health behaviour, physical and mental health in adults with non-communicable diseases: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Public health, 248, 105929. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.105929
  • Rahman, F. N, Iwuagwu, A. O., Ngwu, C. N., Kalu, M. E., Kasherwa, A., Tasnim, A., Chowdhury, M. R. K., Rashid, M & Kader, M (2025). Psychosocial wellbeing and risk perception of older adults during COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: perspectives on the role of social workers. Front Psychiatry, 7;15:1505279. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1505279
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Poon, A. W. C & Fernandez, E (2024). A scoping review of barriers to accessing aged care services for older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. BMC Geriatrics, 24(1):805. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-05373-8
  • Rahman, F. N., Iwuagwu, A. O., Ngwu, C. N., Kalu, M. E., Kasherwa, A., Chowdhury, M. R. K & Kader, M (2024). Connecting the experiences of persons with disabilities and social workers in Nigerian care institutions regarding COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a qualitative descriptive-interpretive design. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1466313
  • Onyilola, O., Sussman, T & Iwuagwu, A. O (2024). Understanding Practices and Support Needs of Family Caregivers of People with Dementia in Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol: A scoping review protocol. E-Journal of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/29767202Y2024D000000012
  • Agha, A. A., Nnama-Okechukwu,C., Onalu, C. Okay, P., Anazonwu, N., Iwuagwu, A. O., Chukwu, N & Okoye, O (2024). Stakeholders Perspectives on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Abia and Imo States, Southeast Nigeria: A Multi-sectorial Approach. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-023-00289-6
  • Onyinlola, O., Sussman, T & Iwuagwu, A. O (2024). Understanding practices and support needs of family caregivers of people with dementia in Africa: a scoping review. Journal of Global Ageing, 1, 2. https://doi.org/10.1332/29767202Y2024D000000012
  • Iwuagwu, A. O (2023). 'Ọmụgwọ' as unpaid labour? the perceptions of postpartum caregiving among  older grandmothers in Southeast Nigeria. Innovation in Aging. DOI: igad069, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igad069
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Rayner, D., Kalu, M.E & Ngwu, C.N (2023). Why I Have Not Taken the COVID-19 Vaccine" a Descriptive Qualitative Study of Older Adults' Perceived Views of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Nigeria. Journal of Population Aging. DOI: 10.1007/s12062-023-09410-z
  • Onalu, C., Chukwu, N., Nnama-Okechukwu, C., Iwuagwu, A., Agha, Agha.,  Anazonwu, N., Okah, P & Okoye, U (2023) An Exploratory Study of the Situation of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria: Practice Consideration for Social Workers. An exploratory study of the situation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria: Practice consideration for social Workers. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2023.2265920
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Ekoh, P. C., Ngwu, C.N & Gyimah, A. A (2023). The impact of football fanaticism on the wellbeing of young men in Nigeria: Implication for social work practice. Cogent Social Sciences.  https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2023.2168792
  • Akintunde, T. Y., Iwuagwu, A. O., Isangha, S. O & Adedeji, A (2023). Adverse childhood experiences and subjective well-being of migrants: Exploring the role of resilience and gender differences. Global Social Welfare. Glob Soc Welf (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40609-023-00310-w
  • Iwuagwu, A. O; Kalu, M; Rayner, D; Oyinlola, O; Ezulike, C; Okoh, A… Onyekere, C (2023) 'Longitudinal Studies of Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review, limitations, and recommendations in preparation of projected aging population' Innovation in Aging, igae002, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae002
  • Ngwu, C.N., Iwuagwu, A. O., Onah, N., Nnadi, F., Kalu, E., Ugwuanyi, C & Ibenwa, C (2023). Internally Displaced Persons’ Experiences and the Predictors of Social Support and Adjustment to Displacement in Northeast Nigeria: A MixedMethod Study.. Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies, 0(0) DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2023.2275250
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Okah, P., Nnama-Okechukwu, C., Chukwu, N., Agha, A., Anazonwu, N., Onalu, C & Okoye, U (2023). Barriers to Social Inclusion among Older Adults with Disabilities in Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Phenomenological Inquiry. Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research 25(1): 132–146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.997
  • Ngwu, C. N., Iwuagwu, A. O., Ogar, L., Eyang, B., Iyiani, C., Okafor, A., ... & Rahman, F. N. (2022). Socio-demographic predictors of gendered political participation and implications for social work practice in Enugu State, Nigeria. Cogent Social Sciences, 8(1), 2069907. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2022.2069907
  • Ekoh, P. C., Walsh, C., Iwuagwu, A. O & George, E. O  (2022). Social Networks and Support to Older People in Refugee Situation in Western Countries: A Scoping Review Protocol. Social Science Protocols, 5(1), 1-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7565/ssp.v5.6692
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Ngwu, C. N., Ekoh, P. C (2022). Challenges of Female Older Adults Caring for Their very old Parents in Rural Southeast Nigeria: A Qualitative Descriptive Inquiry. Journal of Population Aging. DOI: 10.1007/s12062-022-09392-4
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Ugwu, L.O., Ugwuanyi, C.C & Ngwu, C. N (2022). Awareness and access to support care services available for older adults in Enugu, Nigeria. African Journal of Social work, 12 (2) 12-20. 
  • Kalu, M. E., Adandom, I. I., Ezulike, C., Ibekaku, M., Iwuagwu, A. O., Nwachukwu, E., Oyinlola, O, & Uduonu, E (2022). A Mapping Review on the Uptake of the COVID-19 Vaccine among Adults in Africa Using the 5A’s Vaccine Taxonomy. American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 00 (00) 1-10 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0515
  • Ngwu, C. N & Iwuagwu, A. O (2022). Law and social work practice in Nigeria: a need for effective collaboration. African Journal of Social Work. 12 (2). 39-49.
  • Kalu, M. E, Okeke, C, Nwachukwu, E, Iwuagwu, A. O et al. (2022). Methodology and reporting quality of 544 studies related to ageing: a continued discussion in setting priorities for ageing research in Africa. Journal of Global Health Economics and Policy. 2022010. https://doi.org/10.52872/001c.36188
  • Iwuagwu, A. O., Ngwu, C. N., Ekoh, P.C., Ebimgbo, S. O., Gyimah, A. A (2022). An exploration of primary caregivers’ knowledge of dyslexia, awareness of the problems, and supports for elementary school children in Nigeria? Cogent Social Sciences. 8:1, 2132673, DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2022.2132673
  • Ekoh, P. C., Iwuagwu, A. O & George, E. O & Walsh, C. A (2022). Forced Migration-Induced Diminished Social Networks and Support, and its Impact on the Emotional Wellbeing of Older Refugees in Western Countries: A Scoping Review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2022.104839
  • Iwuagwu, A.O & Lai, W.L.D., Ngwu, C. N & Kalu, M. E (2022). Social workers' involvement in developing and implementing social programs for rural older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: A concept paper and suggestions for action plan. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2022.2135657
  • Ngwu, C. N., Iwuagwu, A. O., Ebimgbo, A & Igboeli, E., Eyang, B & Ogar, L (2022). Perception and practice of cervical cancer screening services and the role of social workers in facilitating screening uptake in Enugu State, Nigeria. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 23(7):2271-2277. DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.7.2271
  • Anazonwu, N., Okah, P., Agha, A., Chukwu, N., Iwuagwu, A. O., Nnama-Okechukwu, C & Okoye, U (2022). Barriers to Domestication and Implementation of the Disability Act in Southeast Nigeria. Journal of Social Work in Developing Societies 33 4(1): 33-50.
  • Ojembe, B., Kalu, M., Ezulike, C., Iwuagwu, A. O., Ekoh. P.C., … Kapiri, L (2022). Understanding Social and Emotional Loneliness among Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review. Journal of Applied Gerontology. DOI: 10.1177/07334648221118357
  • Ekoh, P. C., Chukwemeka, E., Ezulike, C. D., George, E. O., Egbo, I. E., Agbawodikeizu, P. U., Iwuagwu, A. O & Nnebe, I. (2022). Ageing and Health in Africa: Assessing how low-and Middle-class Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses Navigate the Problem of Counterfeit Drugs in Nigeria. Journal of Population Ageing, 1-17.
  • Iwuagwu, A. O & Kalu, M.E (2021). A Promising Approach to Reducing Social Loneliness among Older Adults in Nigeria during COVID-19 Pandemic, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 64:5, 449-451, DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1901818
  • Rahman, F. N., Hafiz, K., Jahangir, H.M & Iwuagwu, A. O (2021). Guidelines for in-depth interviews conducted among healthcare providers of tea-gardens in Bangladesh. PLOS ONE. Journal contribution. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247957.s002
  • Rahman, F.N., Khan, H.T.A., Hossain, M. J & Iwuagwu, A. O (2021). Health and wellbeing of indigenous older adults living in the tea gardens of Bangladesh. PLoS One. 4;16(3):e0247957. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247957
  • Rahman, F. N., Rahman, A. F.,  Iwuagwu, A. O & Dalal, K (2021) 'COVID-19 Transmission due to Mass Mobility Before and After the Largest Festival in Bangladesh: An Epidemiologic Study' INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing 58: 1–10. DOI: 10.1177/00469580211023464
  • Ojembe, B., Kalu, M., Ezulike, C., Ekoh. P.C., Osiefo, T., Onyinlola, O., Iwuagwu, A. O., Makonjuola, J & Kapiriri, L (2021). Exploration of loneliness among black older adults: A scoping review protocol. Social Science Protocols, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.7565/ssp.v4.5748
  • Iwuagwu, A. O & Kalu, M (2021). Covid-19 and Older adults: The paradox of physical distancing. Ace Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine, 1 (1) 8-9.
  • Eyang, B. O., Gobo, N. B., Iwuagwu, A. O & Ogar, L. E (2021). Perception of postgraduate students on the early reporting of rape related cases: A framework for social justice in Nigeria European Journal of Scientific Research. 157 (4) pp.408 - 415. 
  • Ogar, L. E., Eyang, B. O., Egbara, A. P & Iwuagwu, A. O (2021). Social Work Counselling: A Panacea for Youth Involvement in Migration and Modern Day Slavery. European Journal of Social Sciences 61 (2) 85-95
  • Isangha, S. O., Ngwu, C. N., Iwuagwu, A. O., Abonyi, E., Nanji, A. O., & Rahman, F. N. (2021). Intimate Partner Violence: The Moderating Role of Personality Trait and Religion. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 8(3) 286-302. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.83.9858
  • Nwatu, L. U., Ebue, M. O., Iwuagwu, A. O., Ene, J. C & Odo, C. O (2020). Perception Of Witchcraft Practice In Oredo Local Government Area Of Edo State, Nigeria. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(12) 514-527. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.712.9442
  • Isangha, S. I., Olaitan, M. T., Ogar, L E., Obasi-Igwe, I. A., Aghedo, G. U & Iwuagwu, A. O (2020). Child Witchcraft Confession: Parental Reaction And Implication For Social Work Practice. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(12). DOI: https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.712.8563
  • Iyiani, C. C., Ngwu, C. N, Iwuagwu A. O., Agholor, S. N., Eyang, B. O & Okah, P (2020). Effects of alcohol consumption and abuse among younger adults in Nsukka Nigeria. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(10). 612-625. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.710.9262
  • Okafor, N. I., Iwuagwu, A. O & Gobo, N. B., Ngwu, C. N., Obi-keguna, C. N., Nwatu, U. L & Rahman, F. N (2020). Perception of illegal migration and sex trafficking in Europe among younger women of Oredo L.G.A Edo state, Nigeria: Social work and ethical considerations. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal. 7(6) DOI: 10.14738/assrj.76.8444
  • Ngwu, C. N., Abonyi, E. S & Iwuagwu, A. O (2020). Perceived factors influencing deviant behavior among secondary school students in Nsukka Local Government Area: An approach to social work. Society for Research and Academic Excellence, 2 (1) 35-46.
  • Iwuagwu, A, O., Chukwu, N, A., Ene, J. C & Ekoh, P. C (2018). Knowledge and utilization of contraception among married women in Owerri municipality, Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of health and environmental sciences UNIMAID. PP30-42.
  • Uche, V. U., Iwuagwu A. O & Odimba, I (2016). Establishing an empirical basis for education alternative for dyslexics in Nigeria. The tenacity. Journal of Education, College of Education Zing Taraba.1(1), 22–28.

Book Publications