Idongesit Kokoabasi Paul Isong

@Unical.edu.ng

Clinical Chemistry and Immunology
University of Calabar

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Chemical pathology, maternal and child health, immunology
16

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Coverage and predictors of enrollment in the state-supported health insurance schemes in Nigeria: a quantitative multi-site study
    Fortune Benjamin Effiong, Roseline Dzekem Dine, Ibrahim Adebayo Hassan, Dimeji Abdulsobur Olawuyi, Idongesit Kokoabasi Isong, David Ayobami Adewole
    BMC Public Health, 2025
    BACKGROUND: In efforts to advance universal healthcare coverage (UHC) in Nigeria, the federal government empowered sub-national entities such as states to develop and implement their respective state-supported health insurance schemes (SSHIS). This study assessed the coverage and predictors of enrollment in the SSHIS in six Nigerian states. METHODS: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design. Respondents were recruited across six Nigerian states with operational SSHIS, corresponding to the country's six geopolitical zones. These include the Cross River, Enugu, Oyo, Kwara, Sokoto, and Taraba states, representing the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, North-West, and North-East zones respectively. Data were collected from community members in congregate settings such as markets, churches/mosques, schools, bus stations/parks, and healthcare facilities. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: The number of study respondents was 3732. The greater majority of the respondents were self-employed 1855 (49.7%) and were living with an average monthly income of < 10,000 naira 1175 (31.5%). Coverage of the state health insurance was highest in the North-Central Kwara State 326 (37.3%), but lowest in the South-Eastern Enugu State 6 (1%). Among beneficiaries, overall satisfaction with the scheme was highest in Oyo State 73 (77.7%), but lowest in Cross River State 16 (32.7%). After adjusting for confounders, several covariates were identified as decreasing the odds of enrolling into the schemes; however, lack of awareness about the scheme was most significant across all the six states. CONCLUSION: Low coverage due to poor awareness, financial barriers, and enrollee dissatisfaction currently affect the SSHIS in Nigeria. To improve enrollment and sustainability, nationwide educational campaigns and consolidation of health insurance schemes are recommended.
  • Prevalence of cognitive impairment and metabolic syndrome among older adults in calabar metropolis and the associated risk factors
    Idongesit KokoAbasi Isong, Kingsley John Emmanuel, Iya Eze Bassey, Mercy Etim Jackson, Unwana Paul Obadare, Ifure Uwem KokoAbasi, Glory Okoi Abam
    BMC Geriatrics, 2024
    BACKGROUND: The number of people reaching old age is rising, bringing an increase in age-related diseases like cardiovascular conditions and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive impairment (CI) impacts various brain functions, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, has been implicated in CI. This study examines the prevalence of MetS and CI among older adults in Calabar Metropolis and the associated risk factors. METHODS: This study was conducted in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria, with 236 older adults (aged 65 years and above) selected via a multi-stage sampling technique. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Physical examinations and biomarker assessments included measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. MetS was defined according to the NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. CI was assessed using the Mini-Cog™ test, with scores ≤ 3 indicating poor cognitive status. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0, employing chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 32.2%, and CI was observed in 44% of participants. Females had a slightly higher prevalence (57.9%) of MetS compared to males (42.1%). Significant differences were found between MetS and non-MetS groups in systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, abdominal obesity, and cardiovascular risk. MetS overall was not significantly associated with CI. However, reduced HDL levels were significantly linked to poor cognitive status (OR = 70.528, 95% CI = 3.269-1521.748). Other MetS components did not show significant associations with CI. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the prevalence of MetS and CI among older adults in Calabar Metropolis. The findings suggest that while MetS as a whole is not associated with CI, reduced HDL levels are significantly linked to poor cognitive status. The findings emphasize the importance of managing specific metabolic risk factors, particularly HDL, to maintain cognitive health in elderly population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
  • Assessment of Subnutritional Indices and Associated Risk Factors of Malnutrition Among Older Adults
    Idongesit KokoAbasi Isong, Kingsley John Emmanuel, Glory Okoi Abam, Iya Eze Bassey, Mercy Etim Jackson, Unwana Paul Obadare, Ifure Uwem KokoAbasi
    Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 2024
    Malnutrition is a multifactorial problem affecting older adults especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Eighty-five subjects which comprise 55 older adults and 30 controls were recruited. Total protein, Albumin, Calcium, Vitamin-C and Vitamin D were estimated using Biuret’s method, Bromo-Cresol Green method, O-Cresolphthalein-Complexone, High performance liquid chromatography, and ELISA methods respectively. Cognitive and nutritional status information were obtained using Mini-Cog test and MNA-short form. Data were analyzed at p &lt; .05. Activities of daily living (ADL) was observed to be associated with nutritional status in older adults. The prevalence of older adults at risk of malnutrition was found to be 58.2%. Blood pressure, albumin and total protein were significantly higher in older adults ( p &lt; .05) compared to the younger adults. Total protein was significantly higher in older female subjects ( p &lt; .05) compared to older male subjects. It was also significantly higher in non- institutionalized older adults than in those who were institutionalized. Calf circumference was significantly lower ( p &lt; .05) in those with poor cognitive status. BMI and calcium were significantly lower in the malnourished older adults. It is concluded that older adults who are dependent, most of which are institutionalized may be more exposed to malnutrition, frailty and cognitive impairment.
  • Evaluation of serum copper, zinc and magnesium in pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
    New Zealand Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, 2022
  • Effect of combined calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and E supplementation on seminal parameters and serum oxidative stress markers in fructose-induced diabetic Wistar rats
    Iya Eze Bassey, Daniel Ewa Ikpi, Idongesit Kokoabasi Paul Isong, Uwem Okon Akpan, Chibuzor Charles Onyeukwu, Nnenna Princess Nwankwo, Inyene Gordon Udofia
    Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 2022
    Context Deleterious effects of diabetes on seminal quality, serum metals and antioxidants have been confirmed. Objective This study evaluated the effect of combined calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and E supplementation on seminal parameters, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), calcium and magnesium in fructose-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods Thirty rats were grouped into non-diabetic controls, diabetic controls, diabetic rats given vitamin E + C, calcium + magnesium and vitamin E + C + calcium + magnesium. The analytes were evaluated using standard methods. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results The diabetic controls had significantly higher MDA (p = .036) but lower (p = .0001) TAC, calcium, magnesium, sperm count, and %motility than the non-diabetic controls. The Vitamin C + E group showed the greatest improvement as they had the highest values of seminal parameters compared to other supplemented groups. Conclusion Combined Vitamin C + E supplementation may provide better ameliorative benefits than a combination of Vitamin C, E, calcium and magnesium in diabetics.
  • Phytochemical analysis and toxicological evaluation of the ethanolic Leaves extract of Hypoestes rosea on the morphology and biochemical indices of the Kidneys of albino Wistar Rats
    Anthony Uchenna Emeribe, Stanley Obialor Anyanwu, Idongesit Kokoabasi Isong, Uno Remi Bassey, Imeobong Joseph Inyang, Emmanuel Onyekachukwu Ibeneme, Enosakhare Aiyudubie Asemota, Zibril Okhormhe, Bassey Icha, Idris Nasir Abdullahi
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2021
    Hypoestes rosea (family: Acanthacea), has been harnessed and utilized for treatment of several ailments. However, there is the paucity of available data on nephrotoxicity associated with this herb. Here, we investigated the phytochemical profile and toxicological effect of H. rosea on Wistar Rats. Twenty rats (weight range: 75–100 g) were assigned into five study groups, viz; (a) control (without treatment) (b) treatment group 1, orally administered with 50 mg/kg (c) treatment group 2, orally administered with 100 mg/kg (d) treatment group 3, orally administered with 250 mg/kg, and (e) treatment group 4, orally administered with 300 mg/kg of H. rosea, respectively for 28 days of four rats per group. The rats were made unconscious by using oral administration of chloroform. Cardiac punctures were made, and blood samples collected into 10 ml labeled plain container, allowed to clot and spun to harvest serum for determination of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine using colorimetric, back-titrimetric, Urease-Berthelot and Jaffe’s reaction methods respectively. Kidneys of rats were harvested, weighed and immediately fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological analysis. Mean serum sodium (p = 0.049), potassium (p = 0.007), and urea (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher among the treatment groups compared to controls. Histopathological findings of kidney sections revealed mild glomerular infiltration in treatment groups 2–4. Additionally, sclerosis was observed in groups 3–4. Phytochemical analysis of H. rosea revealed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids and reducing sugars. From the findings in this study, H. rosea leaf extract causes significant damage to the kidneys of Wistar rats at higher doses. Of which, the damages were dose-dependent in direct proportionality manner. To better determine the safe dosage and ideal duration of consumption, there is the need for further studies on H. rosea.
  • Dengue virus is hyperendemic in Nigeria from 2009 to 2020: A contemporary systematic review
    Anthony Uchenna Emeribe, Idris Nasir Abdullahi, Idongesit Kokoabasi Isong, Anthony Ogbonna Emeribe, Justin Onyebuchi Nwofe, Buhari Isa Shuaib, Abubakar Muhammad Gwarzo, Yahaya Usman, Madjid Sadi, Chikodi Modesta Umeozuru, Amos Dangana, Bibiana Nonye Egenti, Mala Alhaji Baba Mallam, Abigail Uchenna Emelonye, Maijiddah Saidu Aminu, Hadiza Yahaya, Silifat Oyewusi
    Infection and Chemotherapy, 2021
    Backround Data on Dengue virus (DENV) infection prevalence, geographic distribution and risk factors are necessary to direct appropriate utilization of existing and emerging control strategies. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence, risk factors of DENV infection and the circulating serotypes within Nigeria from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2020. Materials and methods Twenty-one studies out of 2,215 available articles were eligible and included for this systematic review. Relevant articles were searched, screened and included in this study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The risk of bias in primary studies was assessed by Cochrane's method. Heterogeneity of pooled prevalence was calculated using the chi-square test on Cochrane's Q statistic, which was quantified by I-square values. The random-effects analyses of proportions were used to determine the pooled prevalence of DENV antibodies, antigen and RNA from eligible studies. Results Of these, 3 studies reported co-circulation of all the 4 serotypes, while 2 separately reported co-circulation of DENV-1 &2 and DENV-1 to -3. All the antibody-based studies had significantly high heterogeneity (I2 >90%, P <0.05), while the NS1 and PCR-based studies had low heterogeneity (I2 <25%, P >0.05). The pooled prevalence of DENV IgM, IgG, RNA, NS1 and neutralizing antibodies were 16.8%, 34.7%, 7.7%, 7.7% and 0.7%, respectively. South-east Nigeria had the highest pooled DENV-IgG seropositivity, 77.1%. Marital status, gender, educational level and occupation status, the proximity of residence to refuse dumpsite, frequent use of trousers and long sleeve shirts were significantly associated with DENV IgG seropositivity (P <0.05). Conclusion Based on these findings, it can be inferred that Nigeria is hyperendemic for Dengue fever and needs concerted efforts to control its spread within and outside the country.
  • Glycated Haemoglobin, Fasting Plasma Glucose, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1, and Soluble Thrombomodulin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
    Euphoria Akwiwu, Margaret Edem, Josephine Akpotuzor, Enosakhare Asemota, Idongesit Isong
    Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences, 2021
    Diabetes mellitus has become increasingly prevalent over the years. The chronic hyperglycaemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunctions, and failure of different organs suggesting that the most effective tool to prevent complications is the effective control of hyperglycaemia itself. The study is set to determine the effect of glycemic control on plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), soluble thrombomodulin (STM) alongside fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among type 2 diabetic subjects. One hundred diabetic subjects accessing care at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar and 100 non –diabetics that served as controls were enrolled. Blood samples from participants were analyzed for FPG, HbA1c, PAI-1 and STM by standard methods. The result shows 74% of the diabetic to be females. Half of the diabetics were managed on only oral anti-diabetic drugs while the remaining half were either on insulin injection or a combination of oral and insulin injection. Poor glycemic control was observed in 56% of the studied subjects. The mean age of 54.69 ± 9.94 years for the diabetics was comparable to the age-matched controls (p=.097). Diabetics showed significantly higher FPG, HbA1c, PAI-1and STM (P=0.001) compared to control values. Correlations between STM, PAI 1 and glycated hemoglobin (figures 2 p=0.001, p =0.001) and STM, PAI-1 and FPG revealed significantly robust association (p=0.001, p=0.001). The study concludes that there is poor glycemic control among the treated diabetic subjects with PAI-1 and STM showing a very strong positive correlation with HbA1c than FPG.
  • The pattern of human papillomavirus infection and genotypes among Nigerian women from 1999 to 2019: a systematic review
    Anthony Uchenna Emeribe, Idris Nasir Abdullahi, Maisie Henrietta Etukudo, Idongesit Kokoabasi Isong, Anthony Ogbonna Emeribe, Justin Onyebuchi Nwofe, Chikodi Modesta Umeozuru, Buhari Isa Shuaib, Odunayo Rahmat Oyetola Ajagbe, Amos Dangana, Bibiana Nonye Egenti, Peter Elisha Ghamba
    Annals of Medicine, 2021
    Background There are no robust national prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in Nigerian women despite the high burden of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. The objective of study This study aims to determine the pooled prevalence and risk factors of genital HPV infection in Nigeria through a systemic review protocol. Methods Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and AJOL were searched between 10 April to 28 July 2020. HPV studies on Nigerian females and published from April 1999 to March 2019 were included. GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence. Results The pooled prevalence of cervical HPV was 20.65% (95%CI: 19.7–21.7). Genotypes 31 (70.8%), 35 (69.9%) and 16 (52.9%) were the most predominant HPV in circulation. Of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, northeast had the highest pooled prevalence of HPV infection (48.1%), while the least was in the north-west (6.8%). After multivariate logistic regression, duration (years) of sexual exposure (OR = 3.24, 95%CI: 1.78–9.23]), history of other malignancies (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.03–2.97]), history of sexually transmitted infection (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.31–3.55]), coital frequency per week (OR = 5.11, 95%CI: 3.86–14.29), the status of circumcision of the sexual partner (OR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.62–9.05), and marital status (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.16–4.72), were significant risk factors of HPV infection (p < 0.05). Irregular menstruation, post-coital bleeding and abdominal vaginal discharge were significantly associated with HPV infection (p < 0.05). Conclusion HPV prevalence is high in Nigeria and was significantly associated with several associated risk factors. Rapid screening for high-risk HPV genotypes is recommended and multivalent HPV vaccines should be considered for women.
  • Cardiovascular disease risk factors and markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage in leprosy patients in Southern Nigeria
    Iya Eze Bassey, Inyeneobong Ernest Inyang, Uwem Okon Akpan, Idongesit Kokoabasi Paul Isong, Bassey Edward Icha, Victoria Micheal Ayawan, Racheal Ekanem Peter, Hopefaith Adode Itita, Prince Ukam Odumusor, Eyoanwan Graziani Ekanem, Okon Ekwerre Essien
    Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2020
    Leprosy reduces quality of life of affected persons. Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of leprosy. This study evaluated anthropometric indices, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxide (TPP), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdg) in leprosy patients. Sixty test participants of both genders, aged 18–65years and diagnosed of multibacillary leprosy and 30 apparently healthy controls were consecutively recruited for this study. The test participants comprised of 30 patients on multidrug therapy (MDT) and 30 patients relieved from therapy (RFT). Body mass index (BMI), Waist-hip ratio (WHR), FPG, lipid profile, TAC, TPP, OSI, MDA, GSH and 8-OHdg were determined using appropriate methods. Data were analyzed using Analysis of variance; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The MDT group had significantly lower BMI (p = 0.0001), Total cholesterol (p = 0.001), HDL-C (p = 0.019), LDL-C (p = 0.005), TAC (p = 0.0001) and higher TPP (p = 0.001), MDA (p = 0.0001), OSI (p = 0.005) and 8-OHdg (p = 0.035) compared to the controls. The RFT group had significantly lower BMI (p = 0.001) Total cholesterol (0.0001), HDL-C (p = 0.006) LDL-C (p = 0.0001), TAC (p = 0.001) and higher WHR (p = 0.010), VLDL-C (p = 0.035), TG (p = 0.023) Atherogenic index of plasma (p = 0.0001) and TPP (p = 0.001), MDA (p = 0.0001) compared to the control group. GSH levels correlated negatively with duration of treatment (r = -0.401, p = 0.028). This study has shown that there is oxidative stress in multibacillary leprosy patients irrespective of drug treatment status. This study also shows that leprosy patients relieved from treatment may be susceptible to cardiovascular events. Antioxidants supplementation may be beneficial in the treatment of leprosy and clinical follow up on patients relieved from treatment may also be necessary to monitor health status and prevent development of cardiovascular events.
  • Crisis frequency and associated changes in platelet parameters among steady state sickle cell subjects
    New Zealand Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, 2020
  • Glycaemic control and associated platelet indices among apparently healthy caregivers in Southern Nigeria
    New Zealand Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, 2020
  • Differences in micronutrient levels between urban and rural children in Cross River State, Nigeria
    New Zealand Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, 2020
  • Comparison of serum reproductive hormones, antioxidants, PGE2 and PGF2-α between primary and secondary infertile women in Calabar
    Isong Idongesit K, , Usoro Chinyere AO, Okhormhe Zibril A, Okpokam Dorathy C, Udiong Christopher EJ, , , , and
    Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction, 2017
  • Thyroid hormones and prolactin levels in infertile women in Southern Nigeria
    Iya Eze Bassey
    Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2015
  • Seminal plasma chromium, cadmium and lead levels in infertile men
    I.E. Bassey, O.E. Essien, I.K.P. Isong, A.E. Udoh, G.S. Agbara
    Journal of Medical Sciences Faisalabad, 2013