1.Occupation related skin problems amongst dental technician
Zolchimeg N ; Zolmunkh N ; Enkhtur Ya ; Tsengelsaikhan N
Innovation 2019;13(1):35-39
Background:
Contact dermatitis and also allergic skin diseases are increasing and is
becoming problem among Mongolian dental technicians. Serum total IgE and patch testing
for contact allergy are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Methods:
The aim of this study was to determine and discuss the results of patch tests
(potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride hexahydrate and nickel sulfate) and allergic reaction
(serum total IgE titer) in dental technicians.
Results:
In this cross-sectional study, fifty dental technicians were enrolled, aged between
25-52 years and fifty healthy students of dentistry school participated, who were aged 18-32
years. The mean average age of dental technicians was 34.4±0.91. Serum total IgE levels in
dental technicians were significantly higher (p=0.03) than dental students group. Serum total
IgE have direct, strong correlation with patch testing results (r=-0.759, p>0.001) in group of
dental technicians. The most prevalent positive reaction was to nickel sulfate (7; 43.75%).
Conclusion
Due to the complex etiology of skin allergic diseases in dental technicians with
suspected allergy, detailed diagnostics should be carried out in order to enable identification
of allergenic substances and their elimination from the dental technician’s occupational
condition.
2.Student Satisfaction with the Internal Medicine Diagnostics Course in the Physician program
Usukhbayar M ; Erdenekhuu N ; Enkhtur Ya ; Oyungoo B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):177-182
Background:
Medical education has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, with a focus on studentcentered
learning, problem-based learning, competency-based learning, and outcome-based education. Among these,
internal medicine diagnostics plays a crucial role in preparing students for clinical practice. However, there is limited
research on the factors influencing student satisfaction in this course. Studies by Harden et al. (1999) and Irby et al. (2010)
have emphasized the importance of continuous evaluation and effective teaching methods in medical education. This
study aims to assess student satisfaction with the internal medicine diagnostics course within the “Physician” program at
the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), aligning with these global trends.
Aim:
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate student satisfaction with the internal medicine diagnostics course
in the Physician program. Specific objectives include: Assessing satisfaction with the diagnostics course in the 2nd year
of the basic medical education program, evaluating satisfaction with the internal medicine diagnostics course in the 3rd
year, exploring the relationship between these two courses.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024, involving 1,167 students
enrolled in the “Physician” program at MNUMS. Data were collected using a 34-item questionnaire, including:Demographic
information (5 questions),General satisfaction (17 questions),Internal medicine diagnostics-specific satisfaction (12
questions). Satisfaction was measured using a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree, 5=strongly agree). Data were
analyzed using SPSS Statistics 26, employing descriptive statistics, ANOVA, T-tests, and regression analysis. Effect sizes
were calculated using Cohen’s d and Partial Eta Squared (η²), with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
Overall satisfaction: The average satisfaction score was 3.98±0.73. 2nd-year diagnostics course: Highest
satisfaction (4.07±0.90), particularly with “course content” (4.07±0.90). 3rd-year internal medicine diagnostics course:
Lowest satisfaction (3.97±0.78), especially with “learning environment” (3.90±0.90). Gender and Year Differences: No
significant gender-based differences (p>0.05). Satisfaction with the internal medicine diagnostics course decreased as
students progressed to higher years (B=-0.172, p=0.016). Course Relationship: A strong positive correlation was found
between the two courses (r=0.818, p<0.001), but the effect size was minimal (η²=0.008).
Conclusion
The above-average student satisfaction reflects the quality of the curriculum content and the effectiveness
of teaching methodologies. The decline in satisfaction with internal medicine courses as students progress may be due to
course difficulty and resource limitations. The weak correlation between the two subjects suggests the need for further
development of integrated learning.
3. Psoriasis prevalence and disease related some genes
Urelmaa D ; Sarangua Ts ; Enkhtur Ya ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;208(2):56-60
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, and hyperproliferative skin disease associated with the immune
system and genetics. The prevalence of the disease varies depending on the study methodology, type
of measure, study size, age group, case definition, and sampling techniques. Globally, psoriasis affects
approximately 0.91% to 8.5% of adults and 0% to 2.1% of children. Among the risk factors, smoking
and obesity have a more negative impact than alcohol and tobacco use, diet, physical inactivity,
infections, drugs, and mental disorders. Psoriasis can occur at any age, and when it appears before
age 30, it is defined as type I. There is a familial aggregation of the disease; the HLA-Cw6, B57, and
B31 alleles and HLA-Cw2 have been observed in patients with psoriasis type I.
4.Results of Using Mineral Spray in children 2-16 years of age with Atopic Dermatitis
Minjinsuvd B ; Enkhtur Ya ; Dugarmaa U
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):42-46
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease in young children,
clinically characterized by pruritus and skin rashes. Epidemiological studies have reported that AD affects 5–30% of
children and 1-10% of adults worldwide. In recent years, the use of mineral waters for the treatment of chronic skin conditions has become increasingly popular globally. Although mineral waters, particularly from Shargaljuut springs, have
been traditionally used in Mongolia for various dermatological conditions, no studies have been conducted on their use in atopic dermatitis, providing the rationale for this study
Aim:
To evaluate the result of Shargaljuut mineral spray on disease severity, pruritus intensity, and selected physiological
parameters of the skin in children with atopic dermatitis.
Materials and Methods:
This clinical trial study with a placebo-controlled group included children aged 2-16 years with
AD. The participants were treated with Shargaljuut spray and the clinical assessment was conducted before and after the
treatment, evaluating severity using SCORAD (Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis), itching intensity using VAS (Visual Analog Scale), skin hydration (SCH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Results:
Among all participants, 81.7% (n=49) had mild atopic dermatitis based on SCORAD scores, and 18.3% (n=11)
had moderate severity. According to the VAS scores, 40% (n=24) of the participants reported mild pruritus. Skin hydration
was found to be severely decreased in 96.7% (n=58) of the cases, while TEWL values were within normal limits in 76.7%
(n=46). Statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups at day 30 in terms
of disease severity and pruritus intensity, as well as in certain skin physiological parameters (p=0.001, p=0.002). Within
the experimental group, statistically significant differences were also detected in disease severity (p=0.001), pruritus intensity (p=0.002), skin hydration (p=0.002), and TEWL (p=0.001) between baseline, day 15, and day 30. A correlation
was found between transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration (r=0.566, p=0.0001).
Conclusions
1. Among the children with atopic dermatitis (AD) included in the study, 81.7% (n=49) had a mild severity score
according to SCORAD, 40% (n=24) had mild itching intensity based on the VAS assessment, 96.7% (n=58) had
excessively dry skin, and 76.7% (n=46) showed good transepidermal water loss (TEWL) levels.
2. In the experimental group, comparisons of disease severity, itching intensity, skin hydration, and TEWL levels before and after the use of the Shargaljuut spring water spray revealed that skin hydration increased, TEWL decreased,
and both disease severity and itching intensity were reduced following treatment
5.Study on association between insulin resistance and intermediate risk factors for non-communicable diseases
Khangai E ; Batzorig B ; Bayarbold D ; Enkhtur Ya ; Altaisaikhan Kh ; Oyunsuren E ; Oyuntugs B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):60-64
Background:
In Mongolia, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their intermediate risk factors has continuously
increased in recent years. From results of early detection and prevalence studies of non-communicable diseases in
Mongolia, studies linking intermediate risk factors to insulin resistance are scarce.
Aim:
To identify the prevalence of insulin resistance among the population and study its connection with intermediate
risk factors of non-communicable diseases.
Materials and Methods:
This study was approved by the MNUMS Ethics Committee on February 23, 2024 (2024/3-
02), and was conducted based on the data of participants who took part in the “Population-based Preventive and Early
Detection Screening of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases” organized by the Mongolian government from 2022 to
2023. Insulin resistance was identified using the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), calculated by the formula Ln [fasting
triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL) / 2]. “Ln” refers to the natural logarithm, based on Euler’s number, approximately
2.71828. TyG levels were classified into low risk (<8.5), medium risk (8.5-9.0), and high risk (>9.0). Defined
intermediate risk factors for non-communicable diseases according to stages of hypertension and diabetes.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 44.3±15.2 years, with 39.2% (n=49,270) male and 41.4% (n=49,749) residing
in urban areas. Among the participants, 59.1% had overweight or obesity, 23.6% had diabetes or impaired fasting glucose,
61.4% had hypertension, and 19.7% had elevated triglycerides. Analyzing by levels of insulin resistance risk, 62.8% of
the population had low risk, 22.5% medium risk, and 14.7% high risk. Comparing systolic blood pressure across levels
of insulin resistance risk showed that even without central obesity or diabetes, as the level of insulin resistance increased,
the level of systolic blood pressure also increased (low risk group: 117.0±11.7, medium risk group: 121.1±10.9, high risk
group: 123.5±16.2 mmHg). Regression analysis of the risk of hypertension by insulin resistance risk level showed that the
risk increased with higher levels of insulin resistance (medium risk group OR=1.35, p<0.0001; high risk group OR=1.63,
p<0.0001).
Conclusion
22.5% of the population is at medium risk and 14.7% at high risk of insulin resistance. The increase in hypertension
risk with higher insulin resistance levels is statistically significant, independent of central obesity and diabetes
stages.
6.Associations of secondary risk factors of non-communicable diseases
Khangai E ; Batzorig B ; Narantuya D ; Enkhtur Ya ; Oyuntugs B ; Bayarbold Dangaa ; Oyunsuren E
Diagnosis 2024;111(4):51-58
Background:
Obesity and metabolic disorders are significant contributors to hypertension and cardiovascular disease
(CVD). While body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are known to be associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), the interplay between adiposity, glucose levels, triglycerides, and SBP is
not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the relationships between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP in a large population-based cohort.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on [insert total number] participants with complete data on BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, mediation analysis, and multiple regression were used to explore the associations between variables. The moderation effect of glucose on the BMI-SBP relationship
was examined using an interaction term in the regression model.
Results:
The mean age of the study population was 44.3 ± 15.2 years. The mean BMI was 26.7 ± 4.9 kg/m², and 22.7% of participants were classified as obese. Central obesity, measured by waist
circumference, was prevalent in 55.9% of the population. BMI, waist circumference, glucose, and triglycerides were significantly associated with SBP (p < 0.0001). Mediation analysis showed that waist circumference partially mediated the effect of BMI on SBP. The interaction term for BMI and
glucose was significant (β = 0.32, p < 0.05), indicating that glucose levels moderated the relationship between BMI and SBP, with higher glucose levels amplifying the hypertensive effect of BMI.
Conclusion
This study highlights the complex interplay between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP. Waist circumference partially mediates the effect of BMI on SBP, and glucose levels moderate this relationship, amplifying the impact of obesity on blood pressure.
7.Medical Students’ Evaluation of the Outcomes of the Undergraduate Medical Education Program
Usukhbayar M ; Erdenekhuu N ; Enkhtur Ya ; Oyungoo B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):206-214
Background:
Modern medical education increasingly integrates Outcome-
Based Education (OBE) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approaches
to improve training quality. The Mongolian National University of Medical
Sciences (MNUMS) implemented an OBE curriculum in 2013, creating a need
to examine student satisfaction as a measure of program effectiveness. Student
satisfaction is recognized as a key indicator of educational quality and
is linked to outcomes such as graduate retention and institutional reputation.
Aim:
To assess the level of student satisfaction in the medical doctor (MD)
training program and identify factors influencing it, in order to provide a basis
for improving training quality.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023–
2024 among 1167 students (third- to sixth-year MD students) at MNUMS. Participants
had a mean age of 22.2 ± 1.5 years, and 79.9% were female. A questionnaire
with 23 questions (including 16 Likert-scale items on satisfaction)
was administered; responses were given on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were
analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests,
one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis,
and multiple linear regression were performed. All statistical tests were twotailed,
and significance was set at p<0.05.
Results:
The satisfaction survey demonstrated high internal consistency
(Cronbach’s α = 0.927). Overall satisfaction with the training program was
moderately high, with a mean score of 3.51 ± 0.84 out of 5. Fourth-year students
reported the highest satisfaction with teaching methods (mean 3.97 ±
0.67), whereas third-year students gave the lowest rating for the sufficiency
of learning materials (mean 2.98 ± 1.01); these differences were statistically
significant (p<0.001). Additionally, satisfaction with clinical training declined by
the final year of study, with a mean rating of 3.16 in the sixth year compared
to 3.70 in the third year (p<0.001). No significant difference in overall satisfaction
was observed between male and female students (p>0.05). Exploratory
factor analysis (KMO = 0.950; Bartlett’s test p<0.001) identified two key underlying
factors influencing perceived training quality, which together explained
55.83% of the total variance: (1) “Curriculum organization and teaching methodology,”
and (2) “Material resources and learning environment.” Correlation
and regression analyses further indicated that better course organization and
active teacher engagement were associated with higher student satisfaction
(p<0.01).
Conclusion
The study shows that enhancing teaching methods and improving
curriculum coherence are needed to further improve the quality of the
MD training program. Additionally, strengthening educational resources and
updating instructional approaches are crucial for raising satisfaction levels,
particularly for senior (sixth-year) students. These findings provide an evidence-
based foundation for curriculum and policy improvements to boost student
satisfaction and overall educational outcomes.