Background: Hypokalemia is considered when the serum potassium level is less than 3.5 mmol/L. Clinical research indicates that hypokalemia affects 20% of hospitalized patients, and in 24% of these cases, inadequate interventions result in life-threatening complications. At present, there is no research available on the prevalence, management, and outcomes of hypokalemia in hospitalized patients, which justifies the need for this study. Aim: The study aimed to examine the prevalence of hypokalemia and the effectiveness of its management in hospitalized patients within the internal medicine department, in relation to the knowledge of doctors and resident physicians. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based retrospective study included a total of 553 cases of patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Department of the Mongolia Japan Hospital between January 2024 and August 2024. Patients with a potassium level of <3.5 mmol/L were diagnosed with hypokalemia, and the effectiveness of potassium replacement therapy was evaluated according to the method of supplementation employed. Results: The prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department was 9.8% (54 cases). Based on the study criteria, 42 cases of hypokalemia were selected for further analysis, and a total of 118 potassium replacements were performed through oral, intravenous, and mixed methods. Following potassium replacement therapy, 37.3% (44) of patients achieved normalized potassium levels, while 62.7% (74) still had persistent hypokalemia. Conclusion According to the study results, the prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department is 9.8%. The method of potassium replacement and the severity of hypokalemia do not impact the normalization of potassium levels, with the critical factor being the proper dosage of supplementation. The knowledge of doctors and resident physicians regarding hypokalemia is insufficient, and there is a need to implement guidelines and protocols for potassium replacement therapy in daily clinical practice.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.7 million people die annually due to air pollution caused by solid fuel use, with the majority of deaths resulting from respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions. In Mongolia, air pollution ranks as the fourth leading risk factor contributing to mortality, following hypertension, diabetes, and other major health risks. Although there have been numerous studies on outdoor air pollution in Mongolia, research linking indoor air pollution at the household level with the health status of residents remains limited. Aim: To compare indoor PM2.5 concentrations in households of Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan and examine their association with hypertension during the winter season. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted during November and December 2023, and January 2024, involving 240 households in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors continuously for 24 hours over approximately one month. After measuring indoor air pollution, individuals aged 18–60 years living in the selected households were recruited based on specific inclusion criteria. Blood pressure was measured three times and the average value was recorded. Information on respiratory illnesses was collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 19.0. Results: A total of 241 households participated in the study, with 116 from Ulaanbaatar and 125 from Darkhan. Of the participants, 46.5% were male and 53.5% were female. In terms of housing type, 96 households (39.8%) lived in gers, 97 (40.2%) lived in stove-heated houses, and 48 (19.9%) lived in apartments. Among all participants, 66.0% (n=159) had hypertension and 34.0% (n=79) had normal blood pressure. Among participants aged over 40, 69.9–88.5% had hypertension, which is statistically significantly higher compared to younger individuals (p=0.0001). By body mass index, 75.3% (n=72) of overweight individuals and 78.4% (n=58) of obese participants had hypertension, showing a statistically significant difference compared to participants with normal weight (p=0.0001). The 24-hour average concentration of indoor PM2.5 was measured using the Purple Air device, and the levels in gers and stove-heated houses exceeded the limit set by the MNS 4585:2025 standard (37.5 µg/m³) Conclusion This study identified a relationship between environmental factors, such as air pollution and housing type, and the prevalence of hypertension. The indoor PM2.5 concentration in gers and stove-heated houses was above the standard limit, indicating a negative impact on the health of those residents. Furthermore, the high prevalence of hypertension among participants over the age of 40 and those who are overweight suggests a possible link to lifestyle and environmental conditions.