1.Movement dysfunction and disability in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain
Erdenesolongo M ; ; Namuun G ; Batlkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):174-177
Background:
Neck pain is a highly prevalent global health issue, with approximately two-thirds of the population experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. Prevalence is highest among middle-aged adults, ranging from 22% to 70%. Up to 54% of individuals report neck pain within the last six months, of which 37% develop chronic symptoms. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, 203 million people suffered from neck pain in 2020, a figure projected to rise to 269 million by 2050. Chronic neck pain often involves neuromuscular changes, including reduced range of motion (ROM), impaired motor control, decreased movement velocity, and diminished joint position sense. These dysfunctions directly impact activities of daily living (ADL), leading to significant disability.
Aim:
To study the loss of mobility resulting from physical therapy for chronic non-specific neck pain.
Materials and Methods:
This study included 115 participants aged 30–59 with chronic non-specific neck pain. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Following a clinical examination based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, movement control was assessed using 13 clinical tests (flexion, extension, and rotation) as described by Hannu Luomajoki et al. (2008). Disability was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Pain intensity at rest and during movement was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the cervical range of motion was determined using a goniometer.
Result:
The mean age of the participants was 37.38 \pm 12.00 years, with 76.5% (n=88) being female and 23.5% (n=27) male; the mean BMI was 24.59 \pm 3.55. Notably, 86.1% of participants were classified into the complex movement dysfunction group. A moderate positive correlation was observed between pain during movement and disability (r=0.331, p<0.001). However, movement control impairment did not show a statistically significant correlation with disability or pain levels (p>0.05). Regression analysis confirmed that pain is the primary factor influencing disability (p<0.001).
Conclusion
In patients with non-specific neck pain, an increase in pain intensity is directly associated with higher levels of disability. Movement control impairment appears to be relatively independent of pain intensity, suggesting that clinical interventions should focus not only on pain reduction but also on specialized kinesiotherapy to improve movement quality.
2.Mongolian translation and reliability assessment of the PedsQL™ gastrointestinal symptoms module standard form in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal disorders
Bulgantsetseg G ; Namuun G ; Enkhtuvshin N ; Enkhzul N ; Davaajav O ; Tserendavga D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):217-222
Background:
The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) is a modular, multidimensional instrument designed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years. It encompasses both child self-report and parent proxy-report formats and includes generic as well as disease-specific modules, enabling comprehensive HRQoL assessment across healthy and clinical pediatric populations. In Mongolia, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders represent the second leading cause of morbidity among children aged 10 to 14 years. The assessment of HRQoL in children with GI disorders — particularly those with chronic conditions — is of considerable importance for clinicians and researchers in conducting epidemiological surveillance, monitoring treatment outcomes, and evaluating findings from clinical trials.
Aim:
To translate the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory–Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module Standard Form (PedsQL™-GI version standard form) into Mongolian and to evaluate its internal consistency reliability.
Materials and Methods:
The PedsQL™-GI version standard form was selected for translation following written authorization from the original developers. The bilingual forward translation was conducted by a team comprising a professional linguist and a pediatrician with 15 years of clinical experience and academic proficiency in English, adhering to the developer-provided translation protocol. The preliminary Mongolian version was subsequently reviewed by a senior pediatrician with 25 years of professional experience and academic English, with particular attention to medical terminology accuracy and linguistic equivalence. A separate bilingual team — consisting of a second linguist and a pediatrician — then performed the backward translation into English. A small-group expert panel comprising the back-translation team and the research investigators convened to review discrepancies and finalize the English reconciled version, which was submitted to the original developers for approval before the official release of the Mongolian version. To evaluate the internal consistency reliability of the Mongolian version, the instrument was administered to 25 children aged 8–12 years and 25 adolescents aged 13 years and above, along with their respective caregivers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, employing the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
Results:
The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the total instrument was α=0.96, indicating excellent internal consistency reliability. Test-retest reliability, assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, yielded ICC=0.79, demonstrating satisfactory measurement stability over repeated administrations.
Conclusions
1. The overall semantic equivalence of the Mongolian version was 97.8%, and 96% of cognitive interview participants rated the questionnaire as “understandable” indicating that the clinical content and conceptual integrity of the original instrument were fully preserved throughout the translation process. 2. A total of 37 adaptation instances were identified during the translation process, encompassing six categories of linguistic and cross-cultural localization: age-appropriate modification, conversion of medical terminology into everyday language, linguistic and cultural adaptation, synonymous substitution, elaboration, and condensation. These adaptations collectively enhanced the content validity of the instrument. 3. The Mongolian version demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha α=0.96) and satisfactory test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ICC=0.79), both fully meeting international psychometric standards. These findings confirm that the instrument constitutes a reliable tool for assessing health-related quality of life in Mongolian children with chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
3.Evaluation of selected laboratory parameters in patients with psoriasis
Minjinsuvd B ; Undral B ; Davaajargal Ts ; Nomindari G ; Namuun T
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):78-80
Background:
Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in its pathogenesis not only drive keratinocyte hyperproliferation but are also associated with systemic conditions such as metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia, increasing the risk of multi-organ complications. In Mongolia, studies evaluating laboratory parameters among patients with psoriasis remain limited, which underscores the need for the present study.
Aim:
To assess selected laboratory parameters in patients with psoriasis.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted using medical records of 678 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of psoriasis (ICD-10: L40) at the National Dermatology Center. Relevant laboratory data were extracted and analyzed.
Results:
Among the 678 patients, 397 (58.5%) were male and 281 (41.4%) were female, with a mean age of 42.6 ± 15.6 years. According to ICD-10 classification, 359 (52.9%) were diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris (L40.0). Disease severity was significantly higher in males (p = 0.006). The mean laboratory values were as follows: total cholesterol 5.35 ± 1.72 mmol/L, triglycerides 2.02 ± 7.83 mmol/L, glucose 5.34 ± 4.46 mmol/L, AST 32.27 ± 36.23 U/L, ALT 35.39 ± 38.52 U/L, and uric acid 320.39 ± 106.67 µmol/L. Significant sex-based differences were observed in ALT, AST (p < 0.0005, p < 0.0001), and uric acid levels (p < 0.0001). A weak positive correlation was identified between uric acid levels and body mass index (r = 0.16, p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Chronic systemic inflammation in psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Regular monitoring of laboratory parameters is a simple yet essential approach for early detection and prevention of comorbidities, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and quality of life
4.Treatment adherence and associated factors among patients receiving hemodialysis
Wu Leng ; ; Namuun G ; Anudari B ; Undarmaa J ; Altanbagana U ; Gankhuyag G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):36-42
Background:
Treatment adherence is essential to maintain treatment effectiveness and reduce complications among patients receiving hemodialysis. Patients are required to attend scheduled dialysis sessions, complete the prescribed dialysis duration, take medications as directed, and follow fluid and dietary restrictions. However, adherence may vary across different components of the treatment regimen.
Aim:
To assess treatment adherence and identify associated reasons and factors among patients receiving hemodialysis.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study a total of 260 patients who are receiving hemodialysis at the ‘Medvic’ Hemodialysis Centers located at the First Central Hospital and the Third Central Hospital. We assessed treatment adherence using the Mongolian version of the End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). We evaluated dialysis attendance and duration, medication use, fluid restriction, dietary adherence, and adherence barriers. Differences in ESRD-AQ total scores across demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using the independent-samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results:
The mean ESRD-AQ total score was 1093.37±99.04. Most participants did not miss (92.3%) or shorten (94.2%) dialysis sessions. In contrast, 57.7% always adhered to fluid restriction and 50.0% always followed dietary recommendations. Although most participants considered treatment recommendations very important, adherence to fluid and dietary restrictions remained comparatively lower. Common barriers included forgetting medication (61.7%), difficulty controlling fluid intake (88.7%), and difficulty avoiding restricted foods (82.5%). ESRD-AQ total scores differed significantly by sex, age group, and employment status (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Overall adherence to the hemodialysis treatment regimen was relatively good, with high compliance with attendance and full dialysis duration. However, adherence to fluid restriction and dietary recommendations remained poor. Furthermore, patients faced challenges such as difficulty monitoring fluid intake, inability to abstain from restricted foods, and forgetting to take medication. The total treatment adherence score differed significantly by gender, age group, and employment status.
5.Factors influencing nurse’s psychology (The example of the International Mongolia hospital in the Inner Mongolia)
Yue Lian Bai ; Namuun G ; Delgermaa S ; Gankhuyag G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):139-143
Background:
Nurses work in a high-stress environment, with 40% experiencing moderate or higher levels of stress and
higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. According to WHO 2020 data, the incidence of depression and anxiety among nurses is 2-3 times higher than that of the general population.
Aim:
To identify factors that affect the psychological state of nurses.
Materials and Methods:
Using a cross sectional study design, a questionnaire was administered to 262 nurses at the
International Mongolian Hospital in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The survey was conducted using 18
general demographic and social factor questionnaires, 26 WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaires, and 21 items
with a scale of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21), a total of 65 questionnaires. The study was conducted using
SPSS 29.0 software to statistically analyze the data.
Results:
The physical domain of quality of life score of the study participants was 50.5±7.8, psychological domain of
quality of life score was 54.1±8.7, social domain factor’s score was 58.2±10.5, and environmental factor’s score was
52.3±10.4. Depression, anxiety, and stress’s score were 9.0±8.8, 9.3±8.6, and 11.9±9.2, respectively. The relationship
between nurse’s depression, anxiety, and stress and quality of life was significantly inversely correlated (p<0.01). Nurse’s
age, working years, number of children, number of beds per ward per nurse, and hours of sleep at night increased depression, anxiety, and stress (p<0.05).
Conclusion
1. Psychological indicators such as depression, anxiety, and stress among nurses are reducing their quality of life.
2. In addition, factors such as the nurses’ age, years of service, number of children, number of people on a daily shift,
and sleep time per day are also factors that affect psychological well-being.
6.Neuromyelitis optica- plasmapheresis efficacy
Yesuigen B ; Uranchimeg B ; Namuun G ; Tungalagtamir Sh
Diagnosis 2024;110(3):53-56
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, demyelinating disorder characterised by attacks within the spinal cord and optic nerve. The purpose of this review is to understand the evidence for the effectiveness of plasmapheresis as an add-on therapy for NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The current diagnostic criteria for NMO include optic neuritis, acute myelitis, and at least two of the following three supportive criteria: contiguous spinal cord MRI lesions extending over ≥3 vertebral segments, brain MRI not meeting diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis, and NMO-seropositive status.5 Myelitis presents with paraparesis and sensory loss below the lesion, sphincter loss, dysaesthesia, and radicular pain.
8.Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation For Muscle Fatigue
Namuun G ; Yasuhiro Endo ; Rie Nakazawa ; Tserendagva D ; Masaaki Sakamoto
Journal of Oriental Medicine 2012;3(2):74-74
Introduction: Several studies found that TENS is effective for
reducing pain and improving physical function. But it is still
unclear that influencing of TENS for muscle fatigue. The purpose
of this study was to determine the effect of TENS on muscle
fatigue after isometric extension exercise of trunk.
Methods: To establish the muscle activity, healthy men were
produced their maximum isometric exertion 15 times and
electromyography was recorded (Task I). And continuing,
subjects maintained the unsupported body as long as they
could. After this, subjects of study group were received TENS
and subjects of control group were rested for 5 minutes. After
the intervention each group was produced their maximum
isometric exertion as same as Task 1 (Task II). VAS and muscle
elasticity were measured.
Results and Conclusions: The significant decreases of muscle
activity of study group were beginning later than in control group.
And the fourth of task tends show a bigger value of %VMA in
comparison with the first of all muscles of Task I in both group
and in Task II in study group. However in Task II there were no
tendencies in control group. Therefore, we thought that TENS
was influenced to nervous system electronically for muscle
fatigue.
Result Analysis
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