1.Investigating certain psychosocial health issues among peacekeeping operation participants
Ulziikhutag N ; ; Oyunsuren D ; Khishigsuren Z
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):200-204
Background:
Peacekeeping operations (PKOs) demand not only high professional expertise but also immense physical and psychosocial endurance from military personnel. Comprehensively identifying the psychological health challenges and specific risk factors influencing combat stress is of paramount practical significance for maintaining unit combat readiness.
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the changes in psychosocial health, personality traits, and underlying risk factors for combat stress among personnel during pre-deployment and active deployment phases.
Materials and Methods:
A prospective, two-phase longitudinal study was conducted during the pre-deployment training and the subsequent 6-month deployment in UNMISS, South Sudan. Data from 283 personnel who fully completed both phases were analyzed using SPSS via McNemar, Chi-square, Pearson correlation, and multivariable logistic regression.
Result:
Participants were predominantly male (92.9%) with a mean age of 28.9±5.8 years. During deployment, neurotic symptoms (33.9%), cognitive decline (15.9%), and sleep disturbances (15.2%) were highly prevalent. Female personnel demonstrated statistically significantly higher rates of neurosis, sleep disorders, and anxiety (p<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms significantly increased the risk of developing combat stress by 4.22 times (aOR=4.22, 95% CI: 1.36-13.16, p=0.013). Furthermore, a prior history of exposure to severe life stressors increased the odds of combat stress by 2.68 times (aOR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.01-7.11, p=0.048).
Conclusion
1. During peacekeeping operations, service members most frequently encounter environmental and domestic challenges related to health, animals, and insects (44.2–44.5%). Furthermore, high rates of anxiety symptoms (>72.0%) and neurotic symptoms (33.9%, significantly higher in women, p<0.05) were reported. Consequently, personnel highly prioritize psychological resilience (59.0%) and teamwork skills (57.6%) in real-world deployment settings.
2. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the primary independent predictors increasing service members’ risk of exposure to combat stress are a personal history of severe life stressors (aOR = 2.68, p=0.048) and the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (aOR = 4.22, p=0.013).
2.Hepatic Steatosis Index and Predicted Cardiovascular Risk in a Population-Based Study
Narangerel B ; Batzorig B ; Bayarbold D ; ; Khangai E ; OyunSuren E ; Enkhtur Ya ; Oyuntugs B ; Byambajav Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):64-69
Background:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and is increasingly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality globally.
Aim:
To evaluate individuals participating in early screening using the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and examine its association with CVD risk levels.
Materials and Methods:
This population-based retrospective cross-sectional study included 47,542 adults aged 40–70 years who participated in a national screening program between 2023 and 2025. Hepatic steatosis was assessed using the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and categorized as <30 (no steatosis), 30–36 (indeterminate), and >36 (steatosis). Ten-year CVD risk was estimated using laboratory-based WHO cardiovascular disease risk charts for Central Asia. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Result:
The mean age of participants was 53.18±8.17 years, and 67.1% (31,886) were women. The prevalence of HSI <30, 30–36, and >36 was 8.9% (4,219), 32.1% (15,271), and 59.0% (28,052), respectively. The distribution of low-, moderate-, and high-risk CVD groups was 48.6% (23,115), 41.3% (19,637), and 10.1% (4,790), respectively. The proportion of individuals with high CVD risk was 5.5% in the HSI <30 group and 10.1% in the HSI >36 group. Compared with the reference group, the odds of high CVD risk were increased in the HSI 30–36 group (OR=1.333; 95% CI: 1.152–1.542) and the HSI >36 group (OR=2.401; 95% CI: 2.094–2.753). These associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, physical inactivity, and smoking.
Conclusion
The prevalence of hepatic steatosis in the study population was 59.0%. Individuals with hepatic steatosis had a 1.2-fold higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those without steatosis.
3.Assessment of anemia prevalence:clinical severity, and red blood cell morphological types among adults
Enkhmaa B ; Khulan P ; Oyunsuren E ; Odgerel Ts ; Batchimeg N ; Gantulga D ; Uranbaigali E
Diagnosis 2025;115(4):28-35
Introduction:
Anemia is still being a population’s challenging issue regardless of high development of countries around the world. According to a study regarding prevalence and etiology of anemia conducted in 187 countries around the world, the anemia rate is 23 176 per 100 000 population. In accordance with the “5th National Nutrition Survey” study conducted in our country in 2017, one of every five women (21.4%), aged 15-49 years, (16.2%) of reproductive age women and (3.0%) of men are anemic. The current study was conducted due to it is still essential to study and identify the etiology of anemia, determine its prevalence, plan appropriate intervention, and organize future preventive measures, depending on the socio economic conditions, location, diet, and customs of the Mongolians.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence, red blood cell morphology, and severity of anemia among adults. Method: The cross sectional study was conducted during between May 2022 and Sep 2023 and adults aged above 18 years were included. Moreover, we identified anemia cases based on the laboratory test results and determined the anemia severity grade. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software.
Result:
Overall, (6.7%) of participants were anemic: (9.9%) of women and (2.8%) of men. The distribution by severity was: mild anemia (66.7%), moderate anemia (30%), and severe anemia (3.3%). Among women of reproductive age, prevalence was higher, whereas in men, anemia prevalence increased with age. Regionally, the Central region showed the highest prevalence, while other regions varied. Analysis of anemia by red blood cell morphology showed that normocytic anemia accounted for (51.6%), hypochromic anemia 66%, and mean hemoglobin concentration hypochromic (53.6%). Moderate and severe anemia was more common in women than men.
Conclusion
Anemia was detected in (6.7%) of the total study population, (9.9%) of females, and (2.8%) of males were anemic. Of those with anemia, (66.7%) had mild anemia, (30%) had moderate anemia, and (3.3%) had severe anemia. Moderate and severe anemia were more common in females than in males.
4.Study on association between insulin resistance and intermediate risk factors for non-communicable diseases
Khangai E ; Batzorig B ; Bayarbold D ; Enkhtur Ya ; Altaisaikhan Kh ; Oyunsuren E ; Oyuntugs B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):60-64
Background:
In Mongolia, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their intermediate risk factors has continuously
increased in recent years. From results of early detection and prevalence studies of non-communicable diseases in
Mongolia, studies linking intermediate risk factors to insulin resistance are scarce.
Aim:
To identify the prevalence of insulin resistance among the population and study its connection with intermediate
risk factors of non-communicable diseases.
Materials and Methods:
This study was approved by the MNUMS Ethics Committee on February 23, 2024 (2024/3-
02), and was conducted based on the data of participants who took part in the “Population-based Preventive and Early
Detection Screening of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases” organized by the Mongolian government from 2022 to
2023. Insulin resistance was identified using the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), calculated by the formula Ln [fasting
triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL) / 2]. “Ln” refers to the natural logarithm, based on Euler’s number, approximately
2.71828. TyG levels were classified into low risk (<8.5), medium risk (8.5-9.0), and high risk (>9.0). Defined
intermediate risk factors for non-communicable diseases according to stages of hypertension and diabetes.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 44.3±15.2 years, with 39.2% (n=49,270) male and 41.4% (n=49,749) residing
in urban areas. Among the participants, 59.1% had overweight or obesity, 23.6% had diabetes or impaired fasting glucose,
61.4% had hypertension, and 19.7% had elevated triglycerides. Analyzing by levels of insulin resistance risk, 62.8% of
the population had low risk, 22.5% medium risk, and 14.7% high risk. Comparing systolic blood pressure across levels
of insulin resistance risk showed that even without central obesity or diabetes, as the level of insulin resistance increased,
the level of systolic blood pressure also increased (low risk group: 117.0±11.7, medium risk group: 121.1±10.9, high risk
group: 123.5±16.2 mmHg). Regression analysis of the risk of hypertension by insulin resistance risk level showed that the
risk increased with higher levels of insulin resistance (medium risk group OR=1.35, p<0.0001; high risk group OR=1.63,
p<0.0001).
Conclusion
22.5% of the population is at medium risk and 14.7% at high risk of insulin resistance. The increase in hypertension
risk with higher insulin resistance levels is statistically significant, independent of central obesity and diabetes
stages.
5.Associations of secondary risk factors of non-communicable diseases
Khangai E ; Batzorig B ; Narantuya D ; Enkhtur Ya ; Oyuntugs B ; Bayarbold Dangaa ; Oyunsuren E
Diagnosis 2024;111(4):51-58
Background:
Obesity and metabolic disorders are significant contributors to hypertension and cardiovascular disease
(CVD). While body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are known to be associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), the interplay between adiposity, glucose levels, triglycerides, and SBP is
not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the relationships between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP in a large population-based cohort.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on [insert total number] participants with complete data on BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, mediation analysis, and multiple regression were used to explore the associations between variables. The moderation effect of glucose on the BMI-SBP relationship
was examined using an interaction term in the regression model.
Results:
The mean age of the study population was 44.3 ± 15.2 years. The mean BMI was 26.7 ± 4.9 kg/m², and 22.7% of participants were classified as obese. Central obesity, measured by waist
circumference, was prevalent in 55.9% of the population. BMI, waist circumference, glucose, and triglycerides were significantly associated with SBP (p < 0.0001). Mediation analysis showed that waist circumference partially mediated the effect of BMI on SBP. The interaction term for BMI and
glucose was significant (β = 0.32, p < 0.05), indicating that glucose levels moderated the relationship between BMI and SBP, with higher glucose levels amplifying the hypertensive effect of BMI.
Conclusion
This study highlights the complex interplay between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP. Waist circumference partially mediates the effect of BMI on SBP, and glucose levels moderate this relationship, amplifying the impact of obesity on blood pressure.
6.Sexual violence against child and adolescents in Ulaanbaatar
Gou Wang W ; Minjmaa E ; Oyunsuren D ; Khishigsuren Z
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2016;175(1):63-69
Introduction
Violence is defi ned by the WHO as “the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual,
against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high
likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation”. Violence
can be divided into many types such as physical, psychological, sexual, neglect and economical etc.
Violence against women and child is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between
men and women or child due to patriarchy in many countries of the world. Child maltreatment or violence
is one of common public health problems in worldwide and psychologically harm in child’s later life.
Objective
To detect types, percent and some infl uencing factors of violence against child and adolescent among
cases, which were involving into forensic psychiatric evaluation procedures.
Materials and Methods
We are analyzed all archive documents of NCMH, 2000-2014 by retrospective methodology on based
ethical approval of NCMH administration (by ordering 2/189 Oct 28, 2015).
Results
Total 1067 cases of violence against child and adolescent were registered in 2000-2014 years and 84.7
percent of those (n=904) were sexual violence cases. Gender difference was defi ning among sexual
violence cases (girls n=885, p<0.000; boys n=19, p<0.000) with statistically signifi cant. Sexual offender
can be act his violence in drunken (OR=2.355; p<0.000; CI 95%; 1.601-3.463) or negative relationship
between family members (OR=3.723; p<0.000; CI 95%-2.356-5.883) are more infl uenced to sexual
violence against child and adolescent.
Conclusion
Sexual violence is more registered among child and adolescent maltreatment cases. Children and
adolescents are more affected into sexual violence likely to have a negative relationship between the
family members or offenders have used alcohol.
7. SEASONALITY AND SUICIDE
Innovation 2015;9(1):42-45
Seasonality in suicide is one of those topics in epidemiology that we believe to know much about but understand fairly little in actuality. Since the 19th century many scholars have reported uniformly higher suicide frequencies in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. There had been very few studies on seasonality of Mongolian suicide. In this research, we wanted tofind the seasonal pattern and the relationship between behavioral characteristic and seasonal variation of suicide.This study is based on records provided by the local Health Centers of 21 provinces, particularly psychiatric-addiction care units; all local prosecution offices rural areasand 8 central organizations, which are registered suicide cases. We conducted the study by descriptive and retrospective design. Seasonal spring and early summer peak of suicide emerged in total suicide population. All concerned suicidecases were much more registered in spring time, and fatalsuicidalbehaviorcases registered fewer in autumn. National average percentage of fatal and non-fatalsuicidal behaviorcases was approximately in either seasons, but much more registered in spring time (x2=2.81; p≤0.000). Also most of fatal suicidal behavior cases were notedduring less human alertness hours in work days (x2=19.732a; p≤0.020).Seasonal variations of fatal suicidal behavioral haracteristic might play very important roles in suicide study.
8. GENDER SPECIFIC ANALYSIS IN SUICIDE STUDY
Innovation 2015;9(1):68-71
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is an important socio-economic, public and mental health problem. An estimated 804000 suicide deaths occurred worldwide in 2012, representing an annual global suicide rate of 11.4 per 100000 populations (15.0 for malesand 8.0 for females). Gender is more significant variable for suicide study and many scientists noticed gender specific issues in suicide studies. Our goal was to identify the gender specific issues in suicide.This study is based on records provided by the local Health Centers of 21 provinces, particularly psychiatric-addiction care units; all local prosecution offices rural areas and 8 central organizations, which are registered suicide cases. We conducted the study by descriptive andretrospective design.Total of 6537 cases were registered at national level and 75.4% of the total cases were male. A sex ratio of male and female was 3:1. As noted, reported suicide cases were noticeably higher amongst males than females, this was most prominent in the 18-39 years age group. Most caseswere committed themselves by strangling and no difference for both sexes.The gender specific issues in suicide study are more significant variables.
9. STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOLIC DEPENDENCE
Dolgorsuren S ; Erdenechimeg SH ; Gantsetseg T ; Oyunsuren D ; Khishigsuren Z
Innovation 2015;9(1):86-91
Stigmatization and discrimination against mental patients and their family members due to typical community misunderstanding about mental diseases are commonly occurred among population. Particularly, discrimination against alcoholic patients and stigmatization against theirfamily members are most common among Mongolian people, because prevalence of alcohol dependence problems is increased 2 times more in last decades. Our aim was to define current situation of stigmatization and discrimination against alcoholic patients. This survey has been conducted among total 90 inpatients with alcoholic problem, are have staying in National Center for Mental Health and Narcology Center. We conducted the study by descriptive and crossectional design.Totally 90 alcohol patients, aged 19-61 years were participated in our survey. 67 (74.4%) of them were male and 23(25.5%) were female and average age was 40.1±1.1. Level of job’s discriminationwas growingrelated to increasing the level of alcohol consumption (p<0.0016)and level of family’s stigma was growing related to increasing the level of alcohol dependence (p<0.0001). Most of patients (n=29), who are divorced from their couples were answering that main reason of their divorcing was alcohol problem and bad interfamily relationship.Furthermore, stigmatization and discrimination increasing due to increasing level of alcohol consumption (p<0.0001).Most of participants (60%; n=54) are answered, that stigma and discrimination against them were occurring from their family.
10. THE WEIGHT OF SCHOOLBAGS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN SCHOOL STUDENTS, ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA
Oyunsuren B ; Bolormaa B ; Naransukh D ; Tsolmon CH
Innovation 2015;9(3):184-188
There is a little information about weight excess of school materials in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The aim of this study was to study of the weight of backback and the ergonomic effects of backpack carriage on school students in Ulaanbaatar. This cross-sectional study was performed in the city of Ulaanbaatar in 2015. Two hundred fourteen school students participated in study. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used, asking about complaints of neck, shoulders, upper and lower back. Length and weight of the children were determined. Backpacks were weighed and the relative weight of the backpack was calculated.In this study, first and second grades students carried proportionately heavier backpacks than older students and more than 10% of their weight. Musculoskeletal complaints were reported by about 79% of school students. The (relative) weight of backpacks was not related to complaints of neck, shoulders, upper and lower back.
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