1.Assessment of customer and pharmacy professionals’ satisfaction in community pharmacies in the districts of the capital city
Bayanmunkh Uyangaa ; Ulambayar Lkhamsuren ; Baatarsaikhan Nomingerel ; Batkhuu Nandinlkham
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2026;28(1):71-76
Introduction:
Considering that the population density, social stress and frustrations, environmental and air pollution,
and diseases directly related to unhealthy lifestyle are high, it is necessary to ensure the protection and support of public health, and to improve the quality and accessibility of localized healthcare services evenly, which in turn must meet the satisfaction of clients and professionals.
Statistical data indicates that between 2022-2023, a total of 2595 pharmacies operated in Mongolia, including 268 (10.3%) first-level pharmacies, 2178 (83.9%) second-level pharmacies, and 149 (5.7%) circulating pharmacies. In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 2916 pharmacies are active, comprising 249 (8.5%) first-level, 2531 (86.8%) second-level, and 136 (4.5%) circulating pharmacies. Based on these statistical figures, the number of pharmacies has been increasing year by year, making it necessary to study the satisfaction levels of professionals and clients.
Methods:
The satisfaction survey of pharmacy customers and pharmaceutical professionals was conducted using a single-stage sampling method. The sample size was calculated considering the representativeness of the population using the Surveysystem calculator and proportional allocation methods with a table for accurate estimation. Data collection was carried out between the second quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, using two types of questionnaires based on the SERVQUAL model, with five likert-scale measures, along with informed consent forms.
The survey was conducted among pharmacy staff and customers in Ulaanbaatar districts: Bayangol, Baganuur, Bagakhangai, Nalaikh, Sukhbaatar, Chingeltei, Khan-Uul, Songinokhairkhan, and Bayanzurkh, using random sampling methods. Data processing was performed with microsoft excel and spss 25.0.
A total of 1381 participants were involved, including n=997 pharmacists and n=384 customers from nine districts of Ulaanbaatar, to evaluate and analyze satisfaction levels. The findings are as follows:
Among the customers who participated in the survey, 45.8% (176) were male and 54.2% (208) were female. A total of (n=384) customers took part in the study, of whom 67.7% (260) reported being satisfied with the pharmacy services the highest proportion in the dataset. Examining satisfaction by age group showed that customers under 25 years old (94) and those aged 26–35 (70) were satisfied with the services.
In the survey on job satisfaction among pharmacy professionals, 11.9% (124) of respondents were male and 83.9% (873) were female. When evaluating the job satisfaction of professionals across districts (n=997), no major differences were observed between districts. However, the proportion of respondents who reported being “Very satisfied” and “Satisfied” were relatively higher in the following districts: Bayangol at 10.3% (103), Khan-Uul at 7.9% (79), Bayanzurkh at 11.1% (111), Sukhbaatar at 7.02% (70), and Songinokhairkhan at 8.4% (84). By age group, the highest levels of job satisfaction were seen among professionals aged 26–35 (52.4%, 230) and 36–45 (55.2%, 112).
Conclusion
1. Among the 384 clients involved in the study, 67.7% (n=260) were satisfied with the pharmacy services, assistance, and environment.
2. When assessing the job satisfaction of pharmacists, 77.4% (n=772) of the 997 pharmacists across 9 districts reported being confident in their career choice and “Satisfied” or “Very satisfied”.
2.Parental knowledge and preventive fractices for common childhood illnesses among children under five
Lkhagvagaram B ; Undram M ; Myagmartseren D ; Tsolmontuya A ; Jargaltulga O ; Batkhuu B ; Davaadulam D ; Enkh-Oyun Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):25-30
Background:
Early recognition and prevention of common childhood illnesses are essential to reduce morbidity and
mortality among children under five.
Aim:
To assess parental knowledge and preventive practices related to childhood illnesses in Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 parents and caregivers of children aged 0–59
months attending primary health care facilities in urban and rural areas. Data were collected using structured interviews
assessing knowledge of general danger signs, prevention of diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, household environmental
risk factors, and injury prevention. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed, with statistical sig
nificance set at p<0.05.
Results:
Urban caregivers identified significantly more general danger signs than rural caregivers (mean 5.3 vs 3.2;
p<0.001). Knowledge levels did not differ between caregivers of ill and healthy children. Preventive practices related to
diarrhea showed no significant association with child illness status. Rural households reported higher exposure to indoor
air pollution from solid fuel use. Injuries requiring medical attention were reported in 22.9% of children, with no signifi
cant differences in injury prevention knowledge.
Conclusion
Parental knowledge varied by place of residence rather than child health status, underscoring the need for
context-specific health education within primary health care services, particularly in rural settings.
3.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.
4.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.
5.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.
6.Isolated compounds from Saxifraga Spinulosa and their antioxidative activity
Duger Badral ; Toshihiro Murata ; Gendaram Odontuya ; Javzan Batkhuu
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2021;18(1):64-68
Abstract
The genus Saxifraga, one of the largest genera of the Saxifragaceae family, comprises 540 species and is distributed widely in mountainous and rocky regions, with 12 species being found in Mongolia. Saxifraga spinulosa Adams is a perennial herbaceous plant common in mainland China, Russia, and Mongolia, inhabiting stony marginal terrain. The isolated compounds from Saxifraga spinulosa were screened for DPPH radical-scavenging activity, with Trolox as a positive control (IC50 23.3 µM). All the new glucosides exhibited potent activities (IC50 19.0–72.9 µM). A crude ex- tract of S. spinulosa has been reported to display the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity among numerous Mongolian medicinal plants, which may now be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of the new flavonoid and galloyl group-containing isolated compounds.
7.Study of pharmacopoeia of root of Caryopteris Mongolica Bge.
Namuunaa G ; Nomuundari M ; Tsetsegmaa N ; Taivanbat G ; Batkhuu J ; Davaapurev B
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2021;19(2):63-70
Introduction:
The main goal of the modern national drug manufacturer is to develop highly biological active, low-side effects and no toxicity pharmaceutical products that can replace synthetic drugs with natural animal, plant and mineral raw materials. We conducted this study in aim to develop the standard of pharmacopoeia of root of Caryopteris mongolica which an antibacterial activity plant that grows in Mongolia. The study included experiments to determine the appearance of the plant, to determine its anatomical structure, to determine the quantitative analysis of pharmacognosy and to determine the microbiological analysis.
Method:
We defined the appearance of plant by sensory method, anatomical structure of plant by light microscopy method. And we experimented the quantitative analysis of pharmacognosy and microbiological analysis of plant according to the methodology specified in the general requirements for medicinal plant raw material of the National Pharmacopoeia of Mongolia.
Conclusion
As a result of the study, the appearance of plant was brown, woody thick, has many branched roots, odorless and bitter. The quantitative analysis of pharmacognosy of plant met the general requirements for medicinal plant raw material. For microbiological analysis, plant met the all requirements.
8.Intraoperative cholangiography during Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the GrandMed Hospital
Bulgan Ch ; Batkhuu A ; Enkhbayar D ; Altankhuyag B ; Saruul E ; Mishigdorj L
Journal of Surgery 2016;19(1):19-22
Introduction: In gallstone diseases,
common bile duct stones and thickened bile
could cause hepatitis or other difficulties.
Therefore intraoperative cholangiography is
helpful in many operations besides detecting
and diagnosing the gallstones in common
bile duct.
Materials and Methods: Out of 266
patients who had undergone Laparoscopic
Cholecystectomy surgery in GrandMed
Hospital, 14 patients were found to have
jaundice and cholestasis after undergoing
laboratory and radiology tests.
Results: These 14 patients have all
undergone IOC. 7 out of 14 patients were
found to have positive cholangiogram and
the other 7 - negative. Biliary tract tumor
and anatomic anomalies were not identified
among these patients.
Conclusion: Making analysis using
only laboratory data is not adequate for
directly detecting choledocholithiasis. IOC
not only shows bile tract obstruction and
determines cholestasis causes, but it also
identifies the anatomy biliary tract, which
is a procedure that facilitates dissection.
Therefore IOCcan prevent the most serious
complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- common bile duct injury. The sensitivity
of IOC ensures the gathering of important
information on time, so suggest to use it for
every suspicious case.
9. Intraoperative cholangiography during Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the GrandMed Hospital
Bulgan CH ; Batkhuu A ; Enkhbayar D ; Altankhuyag B ; Saruul E ; Mishigdorj L
Journal of Surgery 2016;19(1):19-22
Introduction: In gallstone diseases,common bile duct stones and thickened bilecould cause hepatitis or other difficulties.Therefore intraoperative cholangiography ishelpful in many operations besides detectingand diagnosing the gallstones in commonbile duct.Materials and Methods: Out of 266patients who had undergone LaparoscopicCholecystectomy surgery in GrandMedHospital, 14 patients were found to havejaundice and cholestasis after undergoinglaboratory and radiology tests.Results: These 14 patients have allundergone IOC. 7 out of 14 patients werefound to have positive cholangiogram andthe other 7 - negative. Biliary tract tumorand anatomic anomalies were not identifiedamong these patients.Conclusion: Making analysis usingonly laboratory data is not adequate fordirectly detecting choledocholithiasis. IOCnot only shows bile tract obstruction anddetermines cholestasis causes, but it alsoidentifies the anatomy biliary tract, whichis a procedure that facilitates dissection.Therefore IOCcan prevent the most seriouscomplication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy- common bile duct injury. The sensitivityof IOC ensures the gathering of importantinformation on time, so suggest to use it forevery suspicious case.
10. ACETHYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF SOME MONGOLIAN PLANTS
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2013;2(1):53-
Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease(AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and characterized by memory impairment, language deterioration, cognitive dysfunction, behavioral disturbances and deficits in activities in daily living [1,2]. Acetylcholinesterase(AchE) inhibitors have been used effective treatment for AD disease targets[3]. Therefore, it is needed to isolate bioactive compounds from plants.Materials and methods: Trisma buffer pH 8.0, DTNB(5.5-dithiobis-2-nitribenzoic acid), acethylcholinesterase enzyme, acethylcholin iodide- Ach and methanol reagents were used. Plants were collected from Mongolian khangai, steppe, gobi regions. The dried plant material were extracted with methanol then evaporiated at 400C in vacu. AChE inhibitory activity was determined using the Ellman’s colorimetric method.Calculation:A10 min-A00min= Δ A Inhibition % =100x (A10 control- Δ A sample) A10control A=absorptionResults and discussion: From the 65 samples studied, which prepared from different parts of 44 plants species, Salsola passerine, Rumex pseudonatronatus, Solidago dahurica, Chelidonium majus, Anthriscus sylvestris, Linaria buriatica and Achnatherum splendens showed more effect, their inhibition percentages were 32%, 30%, 30,7%, 35,7%, 61,5%, 29,8%, 28.8% and26.6%, respectively. Out of the plants, eight extracts were not identified AChE inhibitory activity and 30 extracts showed 10-20% weak inhibition ratios. This work represents some Mongolian plants have AChE inhibitory activity.Referens:1. Marston A., Kissling J., Hostettmann K., A rapid TLC bioautographic method for the detection of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors in plants.Phytochem.Anal. 13.51- 54(2002)2. Eduardo luis Konrath., Bruna Medeiros Neves et all., Investigations of the in vitro and in vivo acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of tradionally used Lycopodium species from South America on alkaloid extracts. Journal of Ethnoparmacology 139(2012)58-673. Shulz V., Ginkgo extract or cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia., Phytomedicine 10(2003)74-79

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