Background: Arterial hypertension (AH) is a major cardiovascular risk factor worldwide, with a prevalence of 33.1% in Mongolia according to the 2019 STEPS survey. Hematocrit (HCT) is the primary determinant of blood viscosity and has been associated with hypertension in international studies; however, this association has not been sufficiently investigated in the Mongolian population, providing the rationale for the present study. Aim: To investigate the association between hematocrit levels and arterial hypertension in the Mongolian population. Materials and Methods: From 57,108 records of the 2022–2023 national early detection program organized by the Government of Mongolia, 32,626 participants were selected using proportional stratified random sampling by region. AH was defined per Mongolia’s 2018 Clinical Guidelines for Arterial Hypertension in Adults, with blood pressure measured using an automated sphygmomanometer, as SBP ≥130 mmHg or DBP ≥80 mmHg. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson and Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis. Result: AH was identified in 58.2% of participants (n=18,988). The median HCT in the AH group (43.60%) was significantly higher than in the normotensive group (42.40%, p<0.001). The correlation between HCT and SBP was r=0.152 (p<0.001), with the strongest association observed in the 18–40 age group (r=0.203). ROC curve analysis identified optimal cut-off values of 47.2% for males and 41.8% for females. Conclusion 1. Hematocrit levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive group compared to the normotensive group and showed a weak positive correlation with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 2. Although hematocrit was significantly associated with AH in univariate logistic regression, its independent effect was attenuated in multivariate analysis due to collinearity with hemoglobin. In a separate model with HCT alone adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, the independent association remained statistically significant (aOR=1.260, p<0.001). 3. ROC curve analysis identified sex-specific optimal cut-off values of 47.2% for males and 41.8% for females, highlighting the need to consider sex differences in the Mongolian population. These cut-off values should be regarded as supplementary indicators to be used alongside other cardiovascular risk factors.

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.

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.

Background: Dental caries remains a major public health concern among children and adolescents in Mongolia. The mineral composition of drinking water-particularly fluoride and other essential minerals plays a crucial role in enamel mineralization and caries prevention. Fluoride directly influences the demineralization–remineralization balance of dental enamel and forms a temporary layer of fluid fluorapatite on the enamel surface when exposed to acids, thereby reducing the critical pH for dissolution and increasing acid resistance. In addition, fluoride inhibits the acid-producing metabolism of bacteria such as s.mutans within the biofilm and lowers biofilm acidity, thus slowing the rate of demineralization. Therefore, determining the relationship between population groups and water mineralization is essential for developing effective preventive strategies. Aim: To determine the severity and prevalence of dental caries among 5-, 12-, and 15-year-old children living in the 21 provinces of Mongolia and to evaluate the effects of selected minerals in drinking water (Ca, Mg, Cl, F) on dental caries. Materials and Methods: The study utilized oral examination data from a total of 421,970 children aged 0-17 years across 21 provinces and 321 soums in Mongolia. Sampling was conducted in Ulaanbaatar city (48.1%) and in all 21 rural provinces. Dental caries was assessed according to WHO criteria, and the effects of minerals in drinking water were analyzed using linear regression. Result: The average caries severity of primary teeth in 5-year-old children was 3.0-3.1 dft, which was higher than the caries severity of permanent teeth in 12- and 15-year-olds (1.54DMFdft–1.93 DMFT). Among 5-year-olds, boys had a slightly higher caries severity (3.17±3.52) compared to girls (2.92±3.40), while in the 12- and 15-yearold groups, girls showed higher caries severity than boys. Overall, 5566% of children had at least one carious tooth, and the prevalence among 5-year-olds was 63.5-66.2%. Linear regression analysis showed that fluoride (beta=–0.449, p<0.001) and magnesium (beta=–0.031, p<0.001) in drinking water had a statistically significant protective effect in reducing dental caries in both primary and permanent teeth. Conclusion The findings indicate that fluoride (F) and magnesium (Mg) in drinking water are important protective elements against dental caries, whereas calcium (Ca) and chloride (Cl) show no consistent association with caries experience.

Background: Liver fibrosis is the underlying pathology of chronic liver disease complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and its early detection is essential for preventing mortality and disease progression. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing fibrosis; however, it is invasive, costly, limited in repeatability, and not suitable for population-level screening. Moreover, liver fibrosis is often asymptomatic for a prolonged period, necessitating reliable and accessible methods for early identification of at-risk populations. Therefore, non-invasive approaches based on routine laboratory parameters, particularly the FIB-4 index, have been widely adopted in clinical practice. Aim: To assess liver fibrosis using the FIB-4 index and to identify risk factors associated with indeterminate and high-risk groups among individuals participating in a national early detection program in Mongolia. Materials and Methods: A total of 37,961 adults who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from 447,409 individuals who participated in the national early detection screening program between 2022 and 2023. The FIB-4 index was calculated using age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and platelet count, and categorized as low (<1.3), indeterminate (1.3–2.67), and high (≥2.67) risk. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and viral hepatitis status were classified according to standard criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0. Continuous variables were expressed as mean±standard deviation, categorical variables were compared using the χ² test, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.96±11.31 years, with 61.3% (n=23,285) female and 38.7% (n=14,676) male. The mean FIB-4 index was 0.89±1.09. Based on FIB-4, 86.9% were classified as low risk, 11.8% as indeterminate risk, and 1.4% as high risk; overall, 13.1% (n=4,975) were in the indeterminate and high-risk groups. FIB-4 risk increased progressively with age, reaching the highest level in individuals aged ≥60 years. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, male sex (OR=1.45; 95% CI: 1.36–1.56), viral hepatitis (OR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.68–2.03), and increasing age remained independently associated with indeterminate and high risk. Underweight status and very high triglyceride levels were associated with increased risk, whereas overweight, obesity, and central obesity showed an inverse association. Conclusions 1. The FIB-4 index is a simple, cost-effective tool for identifying individuals at risk of liver fibrosis in primary healthcare settings. Male sex, older age, and viral hepatitis were independent risk factors for indeterminate and high-risk groups. 2. Therefore, the FIB-4 index can be implemented as an initial risk stratification tool in national screening programs to identify high-risk populations for further evaluation and management.

Background: Drug use is closely associated with sexually transmitted infections, especially syphilis and HIV, through unsafe sexual practices, multiple partners, and high-risk patterns of substance use. Prisoners with a history of drug use represent a particularly vulnerable subgroup. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rapid syphilis test positivity and selected associated factors among incarcerated people who use drugs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 105 prisoners. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a finger-prick rapid dual test. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher exact tests were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.1±8.4 years; 78.1% were male. A history of STI was reported by 16.2%, STI-related symptoms during the last 12 months by 19.0%, STI testing during the last 12 months by 39.0%, and STI testing while incarcerated by 45.7%. However, 79.0% had received STI-related education or information. Among 81 participants with valid rapid syphilis test results, 27 were positive, giving a prevalence of 33.3%. Syphilis positivity was significantly higher among those using more than one route of drug administration (41.4% vs 13.0%, p=0.018) and among those with a prior STI history (70.0% vs 26.6%, p=0.011). No significant associations were found with sex, age, education, marital status, cohabitation, income, syringe use, recent STI symptoms, casual sex before arrest, or overall sexual risk behavior. Conclusion These findings suggest that targeted syphilis screening, counseling, and linkage to confirmatory testing and treatment should be strengthened among incarcerated people who use drugs, particularly those with multi-route drug use and a previous STI history.

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.

Background: 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 identify anemia among the adult population, determine the type and severity of anemia. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: Among the participants, 6.7% of them, 9.9% of females and 2.8% of males are anemic. Prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anemia is 66.7%, 30% and 3.3%, respectively. While the prevalence of anemia among reproductive age women is higher, the prevalence of anemia increases with age. The anemia prevalence in Ulaanbaatar region, Western region, Khangai mountainous region, Central region and Eastern region is 583 (25.6%); 171 (7.5%); 343 (15.1%); 921 (40.4%); and 261 (11.4%), respectively. By regional location, the prevalence is high in the Central region, with varying prevalence in other regions. 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.

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.

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.