1.Assessment of block curriculum organization and learning environment
Tuyajargal B ; Usukhbayar M ; Tsolmontuya A ; Batkhuu B ; Ariunzaya P ; Ayurzana A ; Myagmartseren D ; Khangai E
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):44-49
Background:
Medical education has shifted toward integrated, student-centered curricula. Mongolia’s School of Medicine adopted a vertically integrated block model, yet systematic evaluation through student feedback remains limited.
Aim:
To evaluate the quality of the block curriculum for the “General Medicine” program based on student satisfaction, and to identify factors influencing satisfaction with course content.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey between January 2023 and January 2026. A total of 1,130 students (66.8% of the source population) were selected through stratified random sampling from 1,692 third- to sixth-year medical students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at the School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). The mean age of participants was 22.18±1.43 years, of whom 79.7% were female and 20.3% were male. Educational quality was evaluated across three domains: educational content (59 items), learning environment (59 items), and course organization (59 items), using a 5-point Likert scale (5=strongly agree, 4=agree, 3=neutral, 2=disagree, 1=strongly disagree). Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Differences between blocks were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine associations among domains, while factors influencing educational content were identified using multivariable linear regression analysis. Statistical significance was established at the 95% confidence level (p<0.05).
Results:
The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency across all seven blocks (Cronbach’s α=0.888–0.937). The overall mean scores were 4.00±0.78 for educational content, 3.91±0.85 for learning environment, and 3.92±0.82 for course organization. Block 6 received the highest ratings across all domains, including educational content (4.15±0.74), learning environment (4.04±0.81), and course organization (4.03±0.81), whereas Block 1A had the lowest mean scores (3.82–3.92). One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences among blocks across all three domains (p≤0.005); however, the effect sizes were very small (Partial η²=0.003–0.006). Tukey’s HSD test showed that Block 6 was rated significantly higher than Block 1A in educational content by 0.226 points (95% CI: 0.103–0.349, p<0.001) and in course organization by 0.206 points (95% CI: 0.078–0.334, p<0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed among educational content, learning environment, and course organization (r=0.747–0.820, p<0.001). Academic year demonstrated weak negative correlations with all three evaluation domains (r=−0.033 to −0.045, p<0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that learning environment (β=0.348, p<0.001) and course organization (β=0.487, p<0.001) explained 63.6% of the variance in educational content ratings (R²=0.636, F(2,5894)=5143.82, p<0.001).
Conclusion
The study findings demonstrated that students generally evaluated the content, learning environment, and organization of the integrated block curriculum positively, with higher ratings observed in senior-level blocks. The strong positive correlations among these dimensions suggest that they are interrelated factors influencing student satisfaction. Furthermore, multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that course organization and the learning environment had the greatest influence on the evaluation of educational content. These findings indicate that improving course scheduling, instructional organization, and the learning environment is essential for enhancing educational quality and students’ perceived value of the curriculum.
2.Effect of teaching methodology and assessment on learning outcomes in a block-based undergraduate medical curriculum
Tsolmontuya A ; Usukhbayar M ; Tuyajargal B ; Batkhuu B ; Ariunzaya P ; Ayurzana A ; Myagmartseren D ; Khangai E
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):228-235
Background:
Globally, medical education has been shifting from traditional discipline-based models toward student-centered, outcome-based, and integrated curricula. The Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) has implemented a six-block integrated curriculum; however, evidence on how teaching methodology and assessment practices influence student learning outcomes within this framework remains limited.
Aim:
To determine the effect of teaching methodology and assessment practices on student learning outcomes in a block-based undergraduate medical curriculum.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted from January 2023 to January 2026 among 1,130 undergraduate medical students (years 3–6) at the School of Medicine, MNUMS. A stratified random sampling method was applied, representing 66.8% of the target population. Data were collected using a structured 185-item questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests, and multiple linear regression using SPSS version 26.0. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α=0.90–0.98).
Results:
The overall mean evaluation score was 4.00±0.73. A decreasing trend in scores was observed with advancing academic years, with final-year students reporting the lowest scores (M≈3.92). Significant inter-year differences were found in Blocks 3 and 4 (p<0.05), suggesting a potential gap during the theory-to-clinical transition. Blocks 5 and 6 showed consistently high and stable scores (M≈4.10–4.15). Teaching methodology and assessment practices were strong predictors of learning outcomes (β=0.289–0.610), with regression models explaining 67–77% of the variance (R²=0.668–0.774). Elevated VIF values indicated multicollinearity among predictors.
Conclusion
Teaching methodology and assessment practices were found to be decisive determinants of learning outcomes within the integrated block curriculum (R²=0.668–0.774). Although overall student evaluations exceeded the mean threshold, a systematic decline observed across advancing academic years reflects the phenomenon of retrospective critical evaluation, while inter-year discrepancies in Blocks 3 and 4 indicate insufficient curricular coherence during the theory-to-clinical transition. Therefore, it is imperative to further develop the curriculum in a competency-based framework, and to reform both teaching methodology and assessment practices in alignment with clinical competence requirements.
3.Co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors among children and adolescents
Ariunzaya P ; Uuganbayar A ; Solongo P ; Anandashiri B ; Tuyajargal B ; Batkhuu B ; Tsolmontuya A ; Usukhbayar M ; Khangai E ; Ayurzana A ; Myagmartseren D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):242-246
Background:
Between 2017 and 2021, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 2-19 years reached 19.7%, affecting approximately 14.7 million children, with rates of 12.7% among those aged 2-5 years and 22.2% among those aged 6-11 years. Globally, dental caries is among the most common non-communicable diseases, often leading to pain, infection, tooth loss, and reduced quality of life. In Mongolia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has increased markedly since 2010, beginning at an early age. In 2018, one in six children under five years and one in eight adolescents were overweight.
Aim:
This study aimed to assess selected non-communicable disease risk factors among children and adolescents.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, using Family Health Centers across all nine districts. A total of 622 children aged 6–17 years were included. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and waist circumference) were obtained, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Oral health examinations were performed to determine the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Nutritional status was classified based on age and sex-specific growth charts into normal weight, overweight, and obesity categories.
Results:
Among the participants, 10.29% (n=64) were overweight and 9.97% (n=62) were obese. Overweight was more prevalent among girls, whereas obesity was relatively higher among boys (p<0.001). Regarding dental caries, 37.6% (n=234) of participants had no caries (DMFT=0), 48.1% (n=299) had mild caries (DMFT=1-2), and 14.3% had moderate to severe caries (DMFT≥3). The overall prevalence of dental caries was 62.38%, with significant variation by age group: highest in children aged 6-9 years (69.9%) and lowest in those aged 15-17 years (46.1%) (p<0.001). No statistically significant association was found between BMI categories and dental caries status. Although normal weight predominated in the DMFT=0 and DMFT=1-2 groups, logistic regression adjusted for age and sex showed no significant relationship between BMI and dental caries. However, children aged 6-9 years had a significantly higher likelihood of having dental caries compared to those aged 15-17 years (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.24-0.63, p<0.001).
Conclusions
1. Among the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), overweight and obesity were highly prevalent among children, with one in every five children classified as overweight or obese. The prevalence among male children was approximately two times higher than that among female children (p<0.001). 2. The prevalence of dental caries among the study participants was 90.7%, with a mean caries intensity of 6.4, indicating high level of severity. Age-group analysis demonstrated that children aged 6–10 years exhibited the highest prevalence and severity of dental caries, with a prevalence of 93.5% and a mean caries intensity of 7.3.
4.Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Complicated with Hyperviscosity Syndrome
Narangerel Jigjidkhorol ; Khishigjargal Batsukh ; Oyundelger Norov ; Myadagsuren Sukhbaatar ; Nansalmaa Ayurzana ; Mend-Amar Ravzanaadii ; Saruul Tungalag ; Altanshagai Boldbaatar ; Khulan Purevdorj ; Sarantuya Jav
Central Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2015;1(1):81-84
Objectives: Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a malignant disease of the B lymphocytes.
We report on a patient in Mongolia having WM complicated with hyperviscosity syndrome.
Methods: A 28 year-old Mongolian woman had symptoms due to hyperviscosity syndrome such
as vision loss, headache, dizziness and, epistaxis. Upon examination, her morphology, biochemistry,
histology, flow cytometry and serum protein electrophoresis indicated WM complicated with
hyperviscosity syndrome. Results: The patient was was successfully treated with a combination
chemotherapy and plasmapheresis. Conclusion: Hyperviscosity syndrome manifestations should
be treated with plasmapheresis.
5. DEGREE OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGING CIRCULATING LEVELS OF ENDOTHELIN RECEPTOR TYPE A IN MONGOLIAN ADULTS
Purevjargal L ; Nandin G ; Ayurzana A ; Haliun N ; Shine-Od ; Uranchimeg D ; Avirmed A ; Enebish S ; Amgalanhaatar D ; Lkhagvasuren ; Erdenebayar.N
Innovation 2013;7(3-S):73-76
Background:The cardiovascular disease especially coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality in worldwide. There is lack of research study which evaluated stenosis of coronary atherosclerosis. It is known that coronary stenosis is highly connected to the levels of biomarkers. Coronary atherosclerosis correlated with endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) levels in a group of patients suspected of having coronary artery disease.Objective:The goal of this study was to evaluate the relation between the coronary atherosclerosis and levels of EDNRAMethods:A total of 311 participants were involved in this study. A case-control study was used in the study. The baselines data were collected from the department of Angiography at the National Third Central Hospital and National lilood Transfusion and Research center. We have determined the degree of coronary atherosclerosis using the Angiography machine and Elisa were used for detecting the blood endothelin levels in all groups.Results:98 participants were diagnosed with stenosis and occlusion. The blood endothelin levels were estimated to 6.32±0.64 pg/ml which refer to () degree of coronary stenosis, the first degree of stenosis of coronary atherosclerosis is estimated to 5.56±0.22pg/ml, the second degree of stenosis of coronary atherosclerosis is estimated to 5.42J0.34 pg/ml, the third degree of stenosis of coronary atherosclerosis is estimated to 5.87 H). 13 pg/ml, the fourth degree of stenosis of coronary atherosclerosis is I'SlilllSltll lo 5.69±0.09 pg/ml, it was estimated to 5.88±0.13 pg/ml in control groups. Level of EDNRA (occupying one segment of coronary artery) was estimated to 5.77±0.08 pg/ml. two segment involvement was estimated to 5.72±0.16 pg/ml, three segment involvement 5.73±0.19 pg/ml. four segments involvement 5.50±0.25 pg/ml, respectively.Conclusion:The blood endothelin level and coronary artery stenosis were not correlated statistically significant in control group of the study. However, blood endothelin levels were increased in patients who tend to experience the coronary artery stenosis.

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