1.Prevalence of Hearing Loss among Primary School Students in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Uyanga D ; Dorjpagma E ; Batzorig B ; Byambasuren L ; Chimedsuren O ; Enkh-Oyun Ts
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2026;215(1):3-8
Introduction:
Hearing loss is an important public health issue that negatively affects
children’s speech, cognitive development, academic performance, and social interaction.
Even mild hearing impairment may lead to adverse developmental outcomes. However, data
on hearing loss among primary school children in Mongolia remain limited.
Goals:
To determine the prevalence, type, and severity of hearing loss among primary school
students in Ulaanbaatar and to assess associated socio-demographic factors.
Material and Method:
A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,254 primary school students.
Hearing screening was performed using pure-tone audiometry following a standardized
protocol. Students who failed the screening were referred for confirmatory diagnostic
audiometry. Hearing loss was classified as mild (21–35 dB), moderate (36–50 dB), and severe (≥50 dB). Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical
analysis data were analyzed using RStudio software. Descriptive statistics were used to
summarize participant characteristics. Associations between hearing loss and independent
variables were examined using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. Variables
with p<0.20 in univariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression
model. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and p<0.05
was considered statistically significant.
Ethical considerations:
The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (Approval No. 2024/3
06). Written informed consent was obtained from parents or legal guardians, and assent was
obtained from participating students prior to data collection.
Results:
Of the 1,254 students, 116 (9.2%) required further evaluation, and hearing loss was
confirmed in 23 students (1.8%). Most cases were mild in severity. Paternal education level
was significantly associated with hearing loss (p=0.028), whereas no significant associations
were observed for sex or household income.
Conclusion
The prevalence of hearing loss among primary school students in Ulaanbaatar was 1.8%,
with most cases being mild and unilateral. These findings highlight the importance of
implementing regular school-based hearing screening programs and improving parental
awareness of children’s hearing health.
2.Prevalence of Hearing Loss among Middle and High School Students in General Education Schools of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Uyanga D ; ; Batzorig B ; Enkh-Oyun Ts ; Chimedsuren O ; Byambasuren L
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):145-149
Background:
Hearing loss among adolescents remains an important public health concern, as even mild degrees of hearing impairment can adversely affect cognitive development, academic performance, and social interaction. In Mongolia, evidence on the prevalence of hearing loss among school-aged children is limited, providing the rationale for conducting this study.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence, type, and severity of hearing loss and to assess associated demographic factors among middle and high school students in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:
A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted during 2024–2025 among 1,803 students from 18 general education schools across nine districts of Ulaanbaatar. Hearing screening was performed using pure-tone audiometry according to a standardized protocol, and students who failed the initial screening underwent confirmatory audiometric testing. Hearing loss was classified as mild (21–35 dB), moderate (36–50 dB), or severe (≥50 dB). Demographic information was collected from parents or guardians using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using R software. Associations were assessed using the chi-square (χ²) test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Result:
Among the students screened, 7.4% were identified as requiring further evaluation, and hearing loss was confirmed in 2.3%. Parental educational level was significantly associated with hearing loss, while no significant differences were observed by sex.
Conclusion
The prevalence of hearing loss among middle and high school students in general education schools in Ulaanbaatar was 2.3%, with no significant difference by sex. Most identified cases were mild and unilateral, highlighting the need for regular school-based hearing screening and strengthened parental health education. The association between parental educational level and hearing loss suggests the importance of addressing social determinants, and further studies are warranted to explore additional risk factors such as the use of personal listening devices.
3.First successful whole lung lavage for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in Mongolia: A Case Report
Amartuvshin G ; ; Altanzul L ; Ichinnorov D ; ; Naidansuren Ts ; Solongo B ; Densenbal D ; ; Tumen-Ulzii G ; ; Allabyergyen M ; Tumurjin G ; Khaliun P ; Tamir L ; Erdenetuya E ; Byambasuren S ; Ankhzaya B ; Ganbold L ; Manaljav Ts ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):212-216
Background:
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disorder characterized by the accumulation of surfactant within the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory insufficiency. Although the disease is uncommon, it significantly affects patients’ quality of life and requires specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is considered the standard treatment; however, it has not been widely implemented in Mongolia. We report the first successful case of WLL performed for PAP in Mongolia.
Case Presentation:
A 56-year-old male presented with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography demonstrated a bilateral “crazy paving” pattern. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, and anti–GM-CSF antibodies were detected, confirming the diagnosis of PAP. WLL was performed under general anesthesia using a double-lumen endotracheal tube with bronchoscopic guidance. One lung was ventilated with 100% oxygen while the contralateral lung was sequentially lavaged with 800–1000 mL of warm (37°C) saline per cycle until the effluent became clear. A total of approximately 20 liters of saline was used.
Result:
The procedure was completed successfully without complications. Following treatment, the patient showed marked clinical improvement with reduced dyspnea and increased exercise tolerance. Oxygen saturation improved from 88% to 93%, and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV₁) demonstrated improvement. Chest imaging revealed a reduction in pulmonary opacities.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the successful implementation of whole lung lavage (WLL) in Mongolia and highlights its importance in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic capacity for rare pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The procedure resulted in significant improvement in clinical, functional, and radiological parameters, consistent with findings from international studies. Early diagnosis of PAP and the adoption of standardized protocols in accordance with international guidelines are essential to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.
4.Study of technology for obtaining granular medicine form from Hepaclin-4 prescription
Baasanpurev L ; Byambasuren G ; Ulambayar B ; Tungalag N ; Altantsetseg A ; Adilbish A ; Enkhsaikhan M ; Batbyamba M ; Tsetsegmaa S ; Tserentsoo B ; Altansukh Ts ; Tserendolgor B
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024;25(2):38-44
Introduction:
Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which is used in traditional medicine, has the ability to
remove blood-drying heat. Chiazospermum erectum Bernh. has the ability to relieve typhoid fever and
poison fever. Carthamus tinctorius L. has antiseptic, analgesic and anti-toxic properties. Saussurea amara
L. has bactericidal, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers found that the Hepaclin-4
recipe has antioxidant, membrane-strengthening, liver-protective, necrosis-preventing, detoxification, and
peroxidation product accumulation-reducing properties. Therefore, extracting the granular medicine form
from the concentrated extract containing the Hepaclin-4 formulation is the basis of our research work.
Goal:
To obtain the granular medicine form from the concentrated extract containing ingredients of the
Hepaclin-4 recipe.
Materials and Methods:
The research was carried out with the support of the Institute of Pharmaceutical
Research and the University of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The raw materials for the Hepaclin-4 formula were extracted by remaceration with water, 40% ethanol, and 70% ethanol (1:10 ratio). Six types of granules were extracted from the concentrated extract using several excipients by the wet granulation method, and the pouring weight and flowability were determined.
Results:
The quality index of the concentrated extract of the Hepaclin-4 recipe complies with the standards
outlined in the 11th Pharmacopoeia of the National Pharmacopoeia of Mongolia. In qualitative analysis of
total flavonoid, spots were detected at the same level as standard quercetin (Rf=0.88) and rutin (Rf=0.4),
indicating the presence of flavonoids. According to the results of the above research, lactose was found to
be the suitable filler for extracting granules, and starch at 8% was identified as the appropriate binding agent from the concentrated extract of the Hepaclin-4 formula.
Conclusion
It was found suitable to select 8% lactose as a filler and starch as a binding agent from the concentrated extract of the Hepaclin-4 formula and obtain a granule drug form using the wet granulation
method.
5.Study on structure and functions of organs involved in the formation of khuumii sound
Rentsendorj Ts ; Enebish S ; Juramt B ; Uurtuya Sh ; Shine-Od D ; Ganchimeg P ; Byambasuren L ; Dorjsuren Ts ; Erdembileg Ts ; Amgalanbaatar D ; Dagdanbazar B ; Nyamdorj D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;192(2):3-9
Introduction:
Khuumii (throat singing) is a unique form of art derived from the nomadic population of Central Asia,
producing two or more “simultaneous” sounds and melodies through the organ of speech.
Material and Methods:
The aim of the study is to identify the anatomical structures involved in the formation of khuumii
and the features and patterns of their functions and compare each type of khuumii as performed by
Mongolian people. A total of 60 participants aged 18-60 years (54 men and 6 women) were selected
by non-random sampling method using cross-sectional study. Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS 23 software using questionnaires, X-ray, endoscopy, sound research method, and
general blood tests.
Results:
90.7% of the khuumii singers were male and 9.3% were female. The average height of the participants
was 172.91±0.93 cm (arithmetic mean and mean error), average body weight was 77.53±2.46 kg,
and body mass index was 25.93±5.31 respectively. Heart rate was 92.19±20.71 per minute prior to
khuumii while 133.19±19.09 after performing khuumii and 85.81-98.56 at 95% confidence interval. In
terms of ethnicity (ethnographically), the Khalkh were the largest ethnic group (72.1%), followed by
Bayad, Buryatia, Darkhad, Torguud, and Oirat (2.3%), respectively. 60.5% of the participants were
professional khuumii singers who graduated from relevant universities and colleges. The process of
Khuumii was recorded by X-ray examination, and laryngeal endoscopy evaluated the movement of
true and false vocal chords, interstitial volume, movements of epiglottis and arytenoid cartilage, and
mucosa. Khuumii increases the workload of the cardiovascular system by 70-80%. Furthermore, the
sound frequency is 2-4 times higher than that of normal speech, and sound volume is 0.5-1 times
higher. 95.3% of throat singers did not have a sore throat, 88.4% did not experience heavy breathing,
and 74.1% had no hoarseness. During the formation of khuumii sound, thoracic cavity, diaphragm,
and lungs regulate the intensity of the air reaching the vocal folds, exert pressure on the airways and
vibrate the sound waves through air flows passing through the larynx and vocal folds. Mouth-nose
cavity as well as pharynx are responsible for echoing the sound.
Conclusion
It is appropriate to divide khuumii into two main types according to structural and functional changes
in the organs involved; shakhaa and kharkhiraa. Khuumii, the “Human music” originating from the
people of Altai Khangai basin by imitating the sounds of nature with their own voice in ancient times,
spread all over the world from Mongolia and it is proposed to classify khuumii into two main types of
shakhaa and kharkhiraa in terms of structural involvement and functionality.
6.The burden and disability assessment in patients with primary headache
Byambasuren Ts ; Burmaajav B ; Otgonbayar L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;189(3):22-31
Background:
Headache is a common disorder among population. 47% of population of the world suffers from the
primary headache. Due to the chronic lasting process of headaches, individuals lose productivity, get
depression because of negative impact on people’s quality of life and economic status.
Headache disorders are amongst the top ten causes of disability in Europe [4]. Three of these (migraine, tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache) are important in primary care because they are common and responsible for almost all headache-related burden.
The burden is immense on workers, women and children in terms of missing work and school days. The personal and social burden of primary headache is high. Health, occupational, social, and psychological factors contributing to burden in people with disabling headache have not been fully unraveled. Headache disorders are not perceived by the public as serious since they are mostly episodic, do not cause death, and are not contagious. A large number of people with headache disorders are not diagnosed and treated: worldwide only 40% of those with migraine or tension-type headache (TTH) are professionally diagnosed and only 10% of those with medication-overuse headache (MOH).
There are no studies on the burden and disability assessment in patients with primary headache in our
country, therefore a need for conducting this study.
Goal:
The burden and disability assessment in patients with primary headache in Mongolian adults.
Methods and Materials:
This cross-sectional study was carried out from June to November of 2017. Participants aged 18-65
years old randomly were selected from four aimags of Mongolia and three districts of Ulaanbaatar city.
They were visited by door to door calling and surveyed using the HARDSHIP and Migraine Disability
Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. The diagnosis of headache was made using the International
Classification of Headache Disorders-3 beta. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS-23 program,
and level of depression in headache present patients was determined by odds ratio (OR). Study
methodology introduced at Ethical review Committee of “Ach” Medical University and approved in 2017
(№17/3/2).
Results:
There were 2043 participants 39.7% and 60.3% of them were men and women respectively. The mean
age of them was 38.0±13.4 years. 57.4% (n=1173) of participants had headache, and 27.4%, 30.0%,
11.2% and 7.5% of them had migraine, tension-type headache, chronic headache and medication overuse
headache respectively. 42% of participants with headache had the median duration of suffering 7 years
(IQR=3-13 years). Out of 1173 participants with headache 20.7% had depression. 23% of participants with
migraine had depression whereas 68.2 % and 47% of participants with chronic headache and medicine overuse headache had depression respectively. Participants with migraine were 1.85 (OR: 1.85, CI: 95%, 1.39-2.47) times, with chronic headache 3.40 (OR: 3.40, CI: 95%, 2.04-5.67) times and medicine overuse headache 3.31 (OR: 3.31, CI: 95%, 1,50-7.30) times more likely to suffer from depression compare to participants with no headache.
People with migraine loses their productivity 10.6 days/m, with chronic headache 19.7 days/m, with
MOH 20.3 days/ m. According the MIDAS (migraine disability assessment) people with migraine has mild disability, while people with chronic headache and MOH had middle score of disability.
Conclusion
The prevalence of primary headaches is high among Mongolian adults. These headaches
cause disability, impair work, study and daily activities, decrease life quality, and brings unrecognized
socioeconomic burden.
7.Study of manufacturing technology of tablet formulation from Mana-4
Tserendolgor B ; Ariuntsetseg A ; Byambasuren G ; Ulambayar B ; Altantsetseg A ; Altantuya Ts
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2019;15(2):42-45
Abstract
Mana-4, an herbal medicine, had been used to treat incomplete-mannered and infection-caused hot disease in Mongolian traditional medicine. It has already reported that Mana-4 acts as an anti-inflammation agent, an activator of T and B cells, an immune-modulator and an inducer of cellular proliferation. Moreover, it enhances the immune system and energy level of human body.
It was confirmed that the main active compounds in Mana-4 are inulin and total flavonoids which are effective for many diseases. Drug formulation types are very important to delivery the drugs to the targeted tissues and organs without loss of active ingredients. Total flavonoids in the extract of Mana-4 and granulated Mana-4 was qualitatively evaluated by TLC and yellow-brown spots (Rf was 0.4) were found on TLC plates, indicating that the preparations contained flavonoids. Also, it confirmed that the appropriate extractor of total flavonoids from Mana-4 was 70% of ethanol. In conclusion, the tablet formulation from Mana-4 was successfully prepared and the quality requirements was allowable.
8.The results of the study of ischemic stroke in young adults
Delgermaa Ts ; Tsagaankhuu G ; Byambasuren D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;187(1):29-41
Background:
Data from yearly statistical reports on morbidity and mortality in Mongolia show that young adults account for approximately 20-26% of all stroke patients as opposed to 10-13% in Western countries.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to compare characteristics of ischemic stroke between young (20-49 years) and old (50-79 years) patients undergoing investigations and treatment according to one common protocol in a tertiary hospital.
Material and Methods:
This hospital based prospective study included 110 young and 130 old patients with acute ischemic stroke. Data regarding the etiology of the stroke, diagnostic neuroimaging test results and degree of functional improvement of patients were examined during their observation.
Results:
The frequency of ischemic stroke at the age of 20-49 years grows from 9.6% to 24.2% and is predominant in the male sex (17.1%), which indicates a young stroke in mongolians is not uncommon. Young adults with ischemic stroke frequently bear both traditional and specific vascular risk factorsthan elderly people (p<0.05). The most common TOAST subtype in the young and old groups was undetermined (26.4% vs.12.3%; p=0.004), other determined cause (22.7% vs. 6.9%; p<0.001), and cardioembolism (20.0% vs. 22.3%) followed by Large-artery atherosclerosis (17.3% vs. 26.2%) and small vessel occlusion (15.6% vs. 33.8%; p<0.001). Partial anterior circulation infarcts were more common among young patients (p<0.001), than in posterior circulation infarcts. Silent brain infarcts and leukoaraiosis are not uncommon brain imaging findings (<0.05) in hypertensive and migraineur patients and should not be overlooked due to their potential prognostic relevance. Outcomes in young adults with hemispheric ischemic stroke can safely be improved with Low- molecular-weight-heparin therapy (OR 1.58; 95% CI, 0.99-2.51; p=0.001).
There were large differences between two groups concerning the 6-month outcome which showed beneficial effect for young stroke patients (mRS:89.1% vs. 66.9%, p=0.002; BI: 84.2% vs.73.1%).
Conclusion
There are significant differences between young and old patients with ischemic stroke regarding to risk factors, etiological subtypes and improvement of functional deficits associated with the stroke. However, severity of stroke on admittance is similar but six weeks outcome is different among young and old patients with relatively rapid improvement of functional deficit in young stroke patients than old one (mRS: 89.1% vs. 66.9%, p=0.002; BI: 84.2% vs.73.1%).
9.The prevalence of primary headache disorders in the adult population of Mongolia
Byambasuren Ts ; Otgonbayar L ; Dorjkhand B ; Selenge E ; Yerkyebulan M ; Undram L ; Delgermaa P ; Oyuntuvshin B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2018;185(3):41-48
Background:
Headache disorders are most prevalent public-health problem. Worldwide, among the adults 46% suffer from primary headache, where the migraine presents 11% and tension type headache (TTH) presents 25%. Recently, one type of the primary headache, medication overuse headache tends to increase. Nowadays, there is no sufficient study about primary headache in Mongolia. So that, it is necessary to investigate prevalence, clinical type and risk factors of the primary headache.
Purpose:
To study prevalence and risk factors of primary headache in Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was carried out from June to November of 2017. Participants aged 18-65 years old were randomly selected from four provinces and three districts of Ulaanbaatar city. The diagnosis of headache was made using the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 beta. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS-23 program.
Results:
A total of 2043 participants (812 men and 1231 women) were reviewed. The participant’s average age was 38.6±13.4years. 1350 (66.1%) participants reported recurrent headache within the last 1 year. Of the total study population, the prevalence rate of primary headache was 1305 (63.9%). Number of people who suffered from migraine was 494 (24.2%), significantly greater in female than male participants (p=0.0001), with most frequent attacks at age 26-45 years. The risk of migraine associated with sex, education and family history (p=0.001). 592 (29.0%) of participants had TTH, mean age of them was 37.7±5.24, significant high rate in female than men, risk of TTH depends on education and job. The medication overuse headache was diagnosed at 116 (5.7%), 29.4% in men and 70.5% in women with average of 45.6±11.4 and 43±12.7 respectively. Among the participants 38.6% used medications, 28% people had one drug, 8.5% two drugs and 2% used three or more drugs. Use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) made up major percent in headache patients. Increased frequency of medication and multidrug affected to medication overuse headache (p=0.008).
Conclusion
More than half of studied population had primary headache. Migraine was in 24.2%, TTH in 29.0% of people, and associated with sex, education and family history. Use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs made up major percent in headache patients.
10.The prevalence and some risk factors of primary headache disorders among the school-aged children in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Selenge E ; Byambasuren Ts ; Zolzaya N ; Otgonbayar L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2018;185(3):49-53
Background:
The primary headache disorders are one of the most common complaints among children and adolescents. Migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) are the most frequently types of primary headache, with prevalence of approximately 9.1% for migraine and 10–24% for TTH among children.
The aim of this study was to determine the 1-year prevalence and some risk factors of primary headache disorders in school-aged children.
Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional, school-based survey consisting of semi-structured questionnaires was administered to randomly select aged 6-11 years using stratified multistage cluster sampling during the period from April to June 2018. The questionnaire of primary headache was based on International Classification of Headache Disorders-III criteria. Statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS, version 21. Student’s T-test, chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for comparisons when appropriate. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results:
We surveyed totally 635 participants; the one-year prevalence of all types of headache was 54.6%. Prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache was 3.0% and 5.4%, respectively. Elucidated biometric and socio-demographic risk factors showed statistically significant difference in prevalence of migraine: type of household, life situation and residential quarter.
Conclusion
Our study found that frequency of prevalence of primary headaches among the school-aged children is relatively high and comparable with other countries.
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