1.Psychosocial status and stigma among cancer survivors
Irmuun B ; Zoljargal T ; Munkhbolor E ; Yagaanzul M ; Oyunsuren D ; Khishigsuren Z ; Khishig-Undrakh M ; Enkhee L ; Dulamsuren P ; Oyunsuren J ; Sarantsend Ch ; Bilguuntugs Z ; Baigalmaa S ; Bayasaakhuu Ya ; Tenuunjargal A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):70-76
Background:
Cancer is not only a physiological disease but also a complex condition that profoundly affects an individual’s psychological well-being and social relationships. Misconceptions about cancer within the public, including its association with death and the tendency to attribute blame to patients as being “personally responsible,” contribute to the development of social stigma among cancer survivors. This stigma negatively impacts patients’ engagement in treatment and their quality of life, highlighting the need to assess societal attitudes based on survivors’ lived experiences.
Aim:
To examine the everyday lived experiences of cancer survivors, measure perceived social stigma, and identify psychological challenges as well as sources of support.
Materials and Methods:
A mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative component, the Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) and the Attitudes Toward Cancer Questionnaire (ATCQ) were translated and their content validity was evaluated by an expert panel using the Content Validity Index (CVI), followed by pilot testing to confirm feasibility (FVI). In the qualitative component, focus group discussions were conducted with cancer survivors, and coping ability was assessed using psychological assessment tools.
Result:
A total of 207 participants (68% female; mean age 33.82±13.7 years) were included in the quantitative study. Participants experienced a moderate level of cancer-related stigma, with negative attitudes most strongly associated with perceptions of disease severity and individual responsibility. Qualitative findings revealed that physician communication and family support played a decisive role in psychological responses at the time of diagnosis disclosure. Excessive sympathy or social distancing increased psychological distress, whereas normal interpersonal interaction and realistic encouragement were identified as the most effective forms of support.
Conclusion
To improve psychosocial support for cancer survivors, it is essential to enhance healthcare professionals’ communication skills, promote accurate public understanding of cancer, and strengthen the sustainability of survivor support group activities.
2.Evaluation of the Agatston Coronary Artery Calcium score using contrast enhanced CT-Coronary angiography
Badamsed Ts ; Lkhagvasuren Z ; Delgertsetseg D ; Batgerel O ; Dulamsuren T
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;203(1):3-7
Background:
In 1904, Monkeberg was first described about the coronary calcification which is the degenerative change that occurs with aging process, but the last decades many studies have been confirmed that coronary calcification was an active process same as the signaling pathways with bone mineralization. Coronary calcification increases the risk of myocardial infarction during bypass graft surgery and PCI (СМ СN. Shanahan, 1999).
Goal:
To evaluate Agatston Coronary Artery Calcium score using contrast enhanced CT-Coronary angiography.
Objectives:
1. To assess Agatston Coronary Artery Calcium score
2. Age and gender relationship of coronary calcification
Materials and Methods:
We evaluated total 215 patients who were admitted to the Reference center of Diagnostic Imaging named after R.Purev State Laureate, People’s physician and Honorary Professor of the Third State
Central Hospital awarded with the Red banner of the Labor diagnosed with the coronary calcification by contrast enhanced 64 slice CT (Philips Ingenuity CT 64) between 2020 to 2022. Patient’s age was
considered into 6 groups and coronary calcification was assessed by Agatston’s score. The result of our study determined by common statistical averages and errors and probabilities of the indicators
were determined by Student’s criteria.
Result:
When evaluating Agatston coronary artery calcium scoring by CT-coronary angiography, 11-400 Agatston score was predominantly in our study with p value of (P<0.001). Considering relationship of age and gender, coronary calcification occurs 42.3% of patients aged 50-69, male and female ratio was 1.7:1.
Conclusions
1. We established Agatston coronary calcification 11-400 was occurred in 66.96% of the patients.
2. Coronary calcification predominantly occurred in 65% patients aged 50-69 years.
3.Role of family health centres in prevention, screening and addressing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes, methodological support
Dulamsuren S ; Sevjid N ; Shirnen L ; Unurtsetseg T
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2013;163(1):48-55
IntroductionProvide evidence necessary for effective implementation of the National Programme on Prevention and Control of NCDs by studying the services delivered by family health centers for prevention, screening and reduction of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes, problems encountered and professional support.GoalStudy the role of family health centers in prevention, screening and reduction of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes and the methodological and professional support they are receiving.Materials and MethodsThe study covered 30.7% of family health centres of UB city and 18.9% of family health centres in rural areas, which are together 19.7% of all family health centres.Results and conclusions18 family health centres from Central, Dornogobi, Orkhon aimags and 25 family health centres from Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar, Nalaikh districts of Ulaanbaatar city as well 258 doctors and 18 managers who provide with qualified methodology were involved in the survey. Informal training activities such as lecture, discussions, memo printed on the reverse side of the check-up numbers, e-mails, SMS messages and advice during visits need to be used to promote healthy behaviour and healthy lifestyle. There are no incentives for promoting health, and preventing non-contagious diseases, the budget for these activities is really minimal around 60,000-200,000 tugrugs per annum. Cooperation with international organizations can be enhanced in order to receive financial support for these activities. The staffs of family health centres consists in average of 11-15 personnel, they are overloaded with the treatment of patients and less time is available for them to work for prevention, screening, and addressing risk factors. The instructing and counselling skills of medical staff are low.
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail