1.Current situation of health information system of Mongolia
Enkhbold S ; Jargalsaikhan D ; Gonchigsuren D ; Khurelbaatar N ; Chimedsuren O
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2012;160(2):41-45
Goal: The purpose of this study is to identify issues of current situation of the health information system in the health care facilities of Mongolia.Materials and Methods: A total 362 users as hospital directors, physicians, nurses, statisticians and IT workers of 105 health care facilities at primary, secondary and tertiary level participated in this study. Data collection methods were generated using a combination of questionnaires and in-depth interview of the users. The statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS. Outcome measures were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: The survey results were shown that a vertical health information flow regulates in the health sector, internal networks set up and H-info 2.0 software as routine data processing and insurance claims are used in the hospitals of Mongolia. Regarding of e-health software as Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), Drug Information System (DIS), Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Radiology Information System (RIS), 82.6% of the health care facilities used only CPOE. There 50% of the existed e-health software is not integrated in the health care facilities. In the data management, 27.0% of the health care facilities that used e-health applications had no backup solution. 45.5% of total users said that the information technology human resource is insufficient. 70.0% of users responded as there did not any continues training program in health information technology. The study was determined lack of functions and difficulty of using the existed software and inadequate software operation and not user-friendliness are the causes of the most of dissatisfactions. Conclusions: A vertical health information flow, internal networks, routine statistic processing set up and mainly CPOE used in the health care facilities. However there is no integration of e-health software and lack of its capacity. It is required modern integrated health information system in the health sector of Mongolia.
2.Results of determination of salidroside content in roots and rhizomes of cultivated and natural Rhodiola rosea L
Khishigjargal B ; Lkhaasuren R ; Batdorj D ; Suvdaa T ; Gantogtokh G ; Orkhon N ; Tsetsegmaa S ; Khurelbaatar L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;195(1):51-55
Introduction:
Rhodiola rosea L. (R.rosea) is a popular plant in traditional medicine of the Nordic countries, Eastern
Europe, and Asia. R.rosea plants are successfully cultivated in Mongolia. The Botanical Garden of
Medicinal Plants under the “Monos” Group started to cultivate R. rosea since May 2015.
Objective:
The aim of this research was to study the salidroside contents of R.rosea collected from Zavkhan
and Khuvsgul province, Mongolia, and cultivated in the Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Drug
research Institute, Monos group.
Material and Methods:
The underground parts of wild roseroot plants were collected from April to May 2020 from Jargalant
soum, Khuvsgul province, and Nomrog soum, Zavkhan province, 3-years and 4-years-old cultivated
R.rosea gathered from the Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants in April 2020. For comparison,
4-year-old Rhodiola grenulata (R. grenulata) was ordered from Shanxi Zhendong Genuine Medicinal
Materials Development Co., Ltd, China, and used for the study. The quantity of the salidroside
constituents of the underground parts were compared and the sourcing of roseroot raw material was
evaluated. Chemical analysis of roots and rhizome of R. Rosea namely the appearance, identification,
moisture, organic impurities, mineral impurities, residue on ignition, water-soluble extractives, fresh
weight of roots, and salidroside content were determined according to the National Pharmacopoeia of
Mongolia (NPhM) 2011. Microbiological analysis was performed in accordance with the requirements
of grade 3b specified in Annex 1 of the Order No. A / 219 of the Minister of Health dated May 30,
2017 to determine the degree of microbiological purity in medicinal products of roots and rhizome
raw materials.
Result:
The content of salidroside, the main biologically active substance of R.rosea plant, was 1.57% in
samples collected from Zavkhan province, 1.45% in samples collected from Khuvsgul province, 1.7%
in samples grown in China and 0.25% for 3-years-old samples and 1.89% for 4-years-old samples grown in the Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Monos group, Mongolia. In addition, these raw
materials meet the general requirements for plant raw materials and microbiological parameters.
Conclusion
Samples of underground parts of R.rosea cultivated for 4 years in the Botanical Garden of Medicinal
Plants have the highest content (1.89%) of the salidrosde. Therefore, it is suggested that the roots
and rhizomes of R.rosea planted in the future can be standardized and used as a raw materials for
medicines.
3.Determination of inuline contents in heat and cold processed Helianthus Tuberosus L.
Ganchimeg G ; Batdorj D ; Lkhaasuren R ; Odchimeg B ; Battulga B ; Orkhon N ; Ulziimunkh B ; Bayanmunkh A ; Tsetsegmaa S ; Lkhagva L ; Khurelbaatar L
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2021;19(2):38-42
Introduction:
Helianthus tuberosus L. is main source of inuline in pharmaceutical and food industry. Pharmacological studies of the plant have showed some important therapeutic properties such as anti-diabetic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-cancer and strengthening cardiovascular system, immune system.
Material and method:
Helianthus tuberosus L., which has been cultivated in Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants of Drug Research Institute, Monos Group, was used as a research raw material. The aerial and below ground parts of the plants were harvested in September 2020. The content of inulin, the main active ingredient in the plant, was determined by spectrophotometry. Raw materials of the plant were processed in several ways and prepared for further use as a pharmaceutical raw material.
Result:
Inulin content in Sample 1 was 34.5 ± 0.76%, Sample 2 was 70.31 ± 1.25%, Sample 3 was
78.43 ± 0.44% and Sample 4 was 75.36 ± 1.42%. The inulin content and yield were the highest in samples prepared by heat and cold cutting methods.
Conclusion
According to the results of appearance, yield, inulin content and moisture contents during the different processings of plant materials, it can be considered that the most suitable method for preparing Helianthus tuberosus L. as a pharmaceutical raw material is the cutting followed by freeze-drying.
4.Hepatitis B virus infection and vaccination coverage among children aged 0-9 years in urban and rural areas
Bulgankhishig M ; Ser-Od Kh ; Oyu-Erdene Sh ; Shatar Sh ; Battogtokh Ch ; Gereltsetseg Z ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):185-190
Background:
Hepatitis virus infections are widespread and highly endemic in Mongolia and ranks first in the world for
liver cancer mortality per 100,000 population, eight times the world average. The World Health Organization estimates
that more than 2 billion people are infected with the hepatitis B virus. Each year, 1 million people die from the infection,
4 million are newly infected, and approximately 350-400 million are chronic carriers. In 2018, 475 cases of viral hepatitis
were recorded nationwide, accounting for 1.1 percent of all communicable diseases, a decrease of 59 cases or 0.2 per
10,000 population compared to the previous year. In 2016, 194 WHO member countries joined forces to develop a strategy to reduce viral hepatitis, with the goal of reducing mortality by 65% and new infections by 90% by 2030. In order
to achieve this goal, the strategic goal states that each country must conduct a comprehensive public health study and
intervention on the spread of infection, risk factors, and early detection.
Aim:
Study to the coverage of hepatitis B immunization among children aged 0-9 years in urban and rural Mongolia and
to determine the influencing factors.
Materials and Methods:
A Nationwide population based cross-sectional study design was used in this study. Mongolia
is geographically divided into the western, Khangai, eastern, and central regions. A total of 14 provinces were selected
randomly in addition to Ulaanbaatar city. The appropriate sample size was estimated at 4500 children aged 0-9 years,
based on 2019 demographic data from the National Statistics Office.
The questionnaire contained closed and semi-closed questions on demographics, socio-economic status, vaccination history and etc.
Results:
A total of 5027 children aged 0-9 years were enrolled in this study out of which 33.7% (n=1692) and 66.3%
(n=3335) were enrolled from capital city Ulaanbaatar and provinces, respectively. Almost half (n=2552) of the study participants were boys whereas the remaining were girls 50.0% (n=2554). According to the history of Hepatitis B vaccination
by questionnaire of parents’, 91.2% [91.2-92.0] were vaccinated with Hepatitis B. The proportion was 89.7% [89.7-90.8]
and 94.1% [94.1-95.2] in rural and urban areas, respectively. Nearly 90% [89.6-90.5] of children were vaccinated in hospitals, 2.3% [2.0-5.0] were vaccinated at home, 8.1% [7.9-10.7] were unaware of the study participants’ location of vaccination. There were no statistically significant differences by urban and rural residences. Vaccination coverage against
Hepatitis B was 91.5% (n=2300) and 90.9% (n=2284) among boys and girls, respectively and 89.6% (n=4506) were vaccinated at hospitals. Vaccination coverage were similar by sex. We also used Health Documents /pink book of children/
or vaccination card for each child to determine the coverage. According to the data from the children’s vaccination card
and health documents’, 917 (18.2%) children were not vaccinated against hepatitis, 57 (1.1%) children received 1 dose,
235 (4.7%) children received 2 doses, and 3818 (75.9%) children received all 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine. There was
no significant difference by sex, though the coverage varied by age. For instance, proportion of children with no written
documentation in the vaccination card was 13.5% among children aged 1 years that increased to 22.5% and 25.3% among
children aged 8 and 9 years, respectively. In contrast the coverage rate of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccination declined from
77.8% to 70.7% among children aged 1 years and 9 years, respectively. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage according to the
vaccination card was different by provinces and within the districts of Ulaanbaatar city.
Conclusion
A total of 5027 children aged 0-9 years were included in the study, of which 917 (18.2%) children were not
vaccinated against hepatitis, 57 (1.1%) children were vaccinated against the first dose, 235 (4.7%) children were vaccinated against the second dose, and 3818 (75.9%) children were fully vaccinated against the first-third dose. Although
the coverage of the study participants varied depending on age and place of residence, no significant differences were
observed in terms of gender. The current rate of children who are not fully vaccinated stands at 18.2%, emphasizing the
need to ensure all children receive full vaccinations for hepatitis B and the required five doses as per the schedule. Furthermore, it is essential to mandate booster vaccinations for those with delayed immunizations and improve the accuracy
of registration data.
5.An Overview Study of Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar City
Ulziikhutag B ; Enkhjargal G ; Buyantushig B ; Jargalsaikhan G ; Eelin Kh ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):263-266
Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths
globally in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death, including among children under 5 years old. Air pollution
is also linked to a range of diseases such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and asthma. In
Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, the average daily concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air reaches 750 μg/m3
during winter, which is 50 times higher than the WHO’s recommendation, making it one of the most polluted cities in
the world. Air pollution continues to pose a significant public health challenge not only in Mongolia but also in many
countries globally. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research and studies that summarize and review the existing
work in this field.
Aim:
To summarize and review thematic works on air pollution conducted by researchers from Mongolian universities.
Materials and Methods:
A systematic review and analysis were performed on thematic works by researchers who completed their master’s and doctoral degrees in the field of air pollution between 2011 and 2024.
Results:
In terms of the type of master’s and doctoral dissertations, 76.0% (n=19) were master’s theses and 24.0% (n=6)
were doctoral dissertations. Among the total number of works included in the study, 36.0% (n=9) focused on the health
effects of air pollution, while 64.0% (n=16) addressed other related areas. Some studies indicated that PM2.5 levels in
the air between 2011 and 2024 were 1-6 times higher than the Mongolian standard, with the highest levels observed from
November to February and the lowest in July. Additionally, some studies suggested a reduction in PM2.5 levels following
the introduction of improved fuel in Ulaanbaatar. Air pollution was found to increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, and to contribute to reduced fetal weight.
Conclusion
When examining thematic studies on air pollution conducted by state-owned universities in Mongolia, the
primary focus has been on the composition, concentration, and health impacts of air pollution. Going forward, research
aimed at mitigating air pollution should be driven by collaborative efforts and leadership from universities, with the results being effectively communicated to policymakers.
6.Association between rs738409 and rs2896019 polymorphisms of PNPLA3 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Dolgion D ; Yumchinsuren Ts ; Yesukhei E ; Baljinnyam T ; Enkhmend Kh ; Otgongerel N ; Gantogtokh D ; Ganchimeg D ; Batbold B ; Davaadorj D ; Khurelbaatar N ; Tulgaa L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;209(3):3-11
Introduction:
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
has increased significantly over the last three decades worldwide, from 17.6% in
1990 to 23.4% in 2019. The development of this disease depends on many risk
factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The PNPLA3 (patatin-like
phospholipase domain-containing protein 3) gene is the most relevant genetic factor
influencing the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype impairs adiponutrin function, accumulating
triglyceride in liver cells and forming small fat droplets within the liver.
Aim:
To determine rs738409 and rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphisms of the
PNPLA3 gene in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and their
correlation with some parameters of anthropometric and laboratory tests.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted with a case-control design in 2023–2024. There were 150
participants in the study, 50 in the control group without MASLD, and 100 in the case group with MASLD. The PNPLA3 (rs738409, rs2896019) gene’s single nucleotide
polymorphism was identified by the RFLP-PCR technique. All statistical analysis
was performed using SPSS 23 software. Categorical variables were described by
numbers and percentages, and the numerical variables were characterized by the
median (min and max) for the normal distribution, and mean± standard deviation for
the non-normal distribution. The statistical tests utilized were the Chi-square test,
Fisher’s exact test, student t-test, and Mann–Whitney test. Ethical approval for the
survey was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee under the Ministry of Health
Of Mongolia in January 2023.
Results:
The participants’ average age was 46.73±11.45, with 60% being women (90) and
40% being men (60). Among all patients, the PNPLA3 gene’s single nucleotide
polymorphism rs738409 revealed 44.7% (67) CC, 54.7% (82) GC, and 0.7% (1) GG
(OR-CG+GG genotype- 2.9, p=0.003). In addition, as a result of determining the
PNPLA3 gene rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphism, the frequency of the TT
genotype was significantly higher in the control group than in the case group (48%,
31%, p = 0.042).
Conclusion
The frequency of CG/GG genotypes rs738409, and rs2896019 of the PNPLA3 gene
is higher in the case group, suggesting that they may be more susceptible to MASLD.
7.Indoor Particulate Matter Concentration in Households of Darkhan City
Nyamdorj J ; Bolor M ; Maralmaa E ; Yerkyebulan M ; Ser-Od Kh ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Shatar Sh ; Gantuya D ; Gregory C. Gray ; Junfeng Zhang ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):25-29
Background:
A 2018 study on the global burden of disease, accidents, and risk factors reported that 1.6 million peo
ple died in 2017 due to household air pollution. Poor indoor air quality has been highlighted as a contributing factor to
respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and exacerbation of asthma and allergies. A 2019 study estimated that
long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less reduces average life
expectancy by 1.8 years, with more severe effects in highly polluted regions. Additionally, a study by Miller et al. (2007)
found that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among women. Direct
measurement devices are highly effective in determining indoor PM2.5 concentrations, identifying sources of pollution,
tracking pollutant dispersion, and monitoring temporal variations. Studies suggest that direct measurement is an accurate,
cost-effective method that provides detailed data suitable for local conditions.
Aim:
To investigate the indoor air quality of houses and apartments in Darkhan city during the winter season using the
Purple Air monitoring device.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with a targeted sample of 128 households in Darkhan
city. The study examined factors such as stove type, type of coal used, annual and daily coal consumption, frequency of
heating, and chimney sealing conditions. To collect data, the Purple Air monitoring device was installed in each house
hold for a month, after which it was retrieved. During retrieval, participants completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire
consisted of 55 questions across 7 pages at the time of device installation and 25 questions across 3 pages at the time of
device retrieval. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0.
Results:
A total of 128 households in Darkhan city participated in the study. The average duration of residence in the
current home was 9.5 years, with no statistically significant variation. The distribution of housing types was as follows:
traditional Mongolian gers (40.6%), houses (39.1%), and apartments (20.3%). The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration
was highest in gers (70.9 μg/m³), followed by houses (46.8 μg/m³) and apartments (22.8 μg/m³), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). PM2.5 levels were most variable in gers, followed by houses and then apartments. House
holds using central heating (apartments) had an average 24-hour PM2.5 concentration of 22.8 μg/m³, whereas households
using stoves (gers and houses) had a significantly higher concentration of 59.4 μg/m³ (p=0.0001). However, there was
no statistically significant difference between traditional and improved stoves. Among study participants, 21.4% reported
that someone in their household smoked indoors. Additionally, 86.5% regularly burned incense, candles, or herbs, while
99.2% did not use an air purifier.
Conclusion
The indoor particulate matter concentration in houses and gers in Darkhan was 59.4μг/m3. Variations in
stove types, poor chimney sealing limited space, and frequent gaps and cracks contribute to increased spread of indoor
air pollutants.
8.Results of determining the content of some biologically active substances in compound herbal extract
Azzaya N ; Khandmaa D ; Naranchimeg E ; Batdorj D ; Khaliunsarnai B ; Badamtsetseg S ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Lkhaasuren R ; Khurelbaatar L ; Chimidtseren S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):85-90
Background:
Medicinal herbs have been used in traditional medicine to treat systemic inflammatory disease for many
years. For instance, Rhodiola rosea L extracts were used to enhance behavioural stresses for improving fatigue and
depression. Gallic acid, found in Rhodiola rosea L and Rhodiola quidrifida is, a natural polyphenol, exhibits multiple
therapeutic activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic effects. Saposhnikovia
divaricate (its ethanol extract mainly) notified to support function of musculoskeletal tissue and to enhance tissue regeneration by its anti-inflammatory effect. The Salsola laricifolia L has been studied for its strong antioxidant activity, improve
immune function, boost energy, and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. This study allowed us to screen anti-inflammatory
effects of medicinal plants and future therapeutic possibility.
Aim:
To study the content of phenolic compounds (gallic acid) in the composition of complex products of plants widely
used in Mongolian traditional medicine, which have been found to have biological activity of the extracts
Materials and Methods:
The herbal extract was extracted from Rhodiola rosea L, Saposhnikovia divaricata (Tuscz)
Schischk, Rhodiola quidrifida Pall.Fisch, Salsola laricifolia Turcz.ex Litv in laboratory of the Drug Research Institute of
Monos Group, Mongolia.
We used solvents for HPLC grade was used to identify the bioactive components that Gallic acid in the compound plant
extract.
:
Results: The bioactive compounds in each of the Rhodiola rosea L, Rhodiola quadrifida Pall.Fisch and four medicinal
plant extracts were identified using HPLC, confirming the presence of Gallic acid.
Conclusion
Our research results showed that the quantitative content of Gallic acid in the composite plant extract was
high, at 1.02%.
9.Study results of PM1 and PM10 particulate matter concentrations in Ulaanbaatar city’s household environments using low-cost sensors.
Ulziimaa D ; Jargalsaikhan G ; Ser-Od Kh ; Enkhjargal G ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Gantuya D ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):88-91
Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 percent of the world’s population is exposed to air
that exceeds WHO recommendations, with low- and middle-income countries being the most affected. The main causes
of indoor air pollution include human activities such as fuel burning, cooking, cleaning, and smoking; housing characteristics such as walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture; ventilation; and outdoor air pollution.
Aim :
To assess PM1 and PM10 concentrations in 120 selected households in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Methods :
Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors in
randomly selected Ulaanbaatar households between October 2023 and January 2024. Supplementary data on factors affecting the PM2.5 concentration were collected via questionnaires. Each measurement was taken in 10-minute intervals,
yielding 51,309 data for analysis.
Results :
PM1 concentrations were measured at 55.5±53.2 μg/m³ in gers, 54.9 ± 46.7 μg/m³ in houses, and 31.6±40.1 μg//m³ in apartments (p<0.001) and measuring PM10 concentrations were 110.6±108.6 μg/m³ in gers, 110.6±96.7 μg/m³ in
houses, and 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in apartments (p<0.001) When considering the concentration of PM1, PM10 by heating
type, PM1 was 55.3±50.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 110.6±103.0 μg/m³ in households with stoves and furnaces, and PM1
was 31.6±40.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in households connected to the central heating system (p<0.001).
Regarding the months of measurement, the highest concentration was observed in December 2023, at 77.1±94.1 μg/m³. The highest concentrations for both PM₁ and PM₁₀ were recorded in January 2024, at PM₁: 64.8±55.1 μg/m³, PM₁₀:
131.4±116.0 μg/m³.
Conclusion
1. Indoor PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar city were within the MNS4585:2016 Air
Quality Standard, however, it was exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines, indicating an excessive risk of increasing morbidity and mortality among the population.
2. Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar varies depending on location, type
of housing, type of heating, and month of measurement.