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.The effects of mineral content in drinking water on dental caries in children
Batbold G ; ; Enkh-Orchlon ; Khongorzul Ts ; Batzorig B ; Oyunsuren E ; Delgertsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):124-131
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.
3.Sexual risk behaviors and associated factors among people who use drugs (PWUD)
Bilguun N ; Khongorzul D ; Tergel Kh ; Davaalkham J ; Khishigsuren Z ; Oyunsuren D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):43-48
Background:
Substance use remains a critical public health and social concern, closely linked to increased sexual risk behaviors and a heightened vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV and syphilis. International and national evidence suggests that individuals who use drugs often experience impaired judgment during intoxication, leading to unprotected intercourse, casual sexual encounters, and multiple sexual partners. In Mongolia, empirical data regarding sexual risk behaviors within this population remain scarce. Therefore, there is a pressing need to determine the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors and identify the specific factors influencing these patterns among drug users.
Materials and Methods:
This study employed a cross-sectional analytical design involving 181 participants who use drugs. Data were collected via structured questionnaires. Sexual risk behavior was evaluated using two approaches: as a dichotomous categorical variable and as a cumulative sexual risk score. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency distributions, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The associations between variables were tested using the (chi square test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression models.
Results:
The findings revealed that 12.2% of participants exhibited high-level sexual risk behaviors, with a mean cumulative risk score of 8.13 ±4.40. Engaging in sexual intercourse while under the influence of alcohol, the frequency of intoxicated sex (reported as "often" or "always"), and a history of casual sexual encounters were significantly associated with sexual risk behaviors. Furthermore, gender, cohabitation status, condom use during the first sexual experience, and the frequency of alcohol-involved sexual encounters were statistically significant predictors of the cumulative risk score. A weak positive correlation was observed between the number of sexual partners in the past year and the cumulative sexual risk score, which remained a significant positive predictor in the linear regression model.
Conclusion
Sexual risk behavior among people who use drugs is more closely associated with behavioral factors—such as alcohol-influenced sexual activity, casual encounters, lack of condom use during sexual debut, and multiple partnership—than with basic socio-demographic characteristics. Consequently, risk reduction interventions should move beyond general awareness. Efforts must prioritize reducing substance- and alcohol-related sexual risks, promoting consistent condom use, and enhancing the accessibility of STI screening and counseling services tailored to this high-risk group.
4.Some rapid test results for detecting sexually transmitted infections among inmates serving sentences for drug-related offenses
Minjmaa E ; Bilguun N ; Oyunsuren D ; Tergel Kh ; Davaalkham J ; Khishigsuren Z
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):49-53
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.
5.Psychometric Properties of The Mongolian Version of The Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale
Khulan J ; Oyunsuren J ; Delgertsetseg Ch
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;89(5):122-128
Background:
In the revised ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) has been officially recognized
as a distinct mental disorder. This condition is characterized by a grief reaction following the death of a
close person that persists beyond the expected period (more than 12 months for adults in DSM-5-TR; more than
6 months in ICD-11), significantly impairing quality of life, social functioning, and psychological stability.
To assist in the early detection and diagnosis of PGD, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York developed the
Prolonged Grief Disorder–13, revised (PG-13-R) self-report measure in 2020, based on the diagnostic criteria of ICD-11
and DSM-5-TR. Although this instrument has been translated and validated in several languages, no validated Mongolian
version has been available, forming the rationale for this study.
Aim:
To examine the psychometric properties—including reliability and validity—of the Mongolian version of the Prolonged
Grief Disorder-13, revised (PG-13-R) scale.
Materials and Methods:
Permission to use the PG-13-R was obtained from the original author (H.G. Prigerson) in November
2024. The study proposal and methods were reviewed and approved by the Academic Council of the University
of Humanities (Approval No. A/19), adhering to ethical research guidelines. The translation process followed international
recommendations, including forward translation, back-translation, and expert review by linguists. A pilot test was
conducted to ensure clarity of each item. The main study included 442 participants (81.9% female; mean age = 41.8±12.4
years) who had experienced bereavement at least six months prior to participation.
Results:
The Mongolian version of the PG-13-R demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92; McDonald’s
ω = 0.93). The split-half correlation was r = 0.87, indicating high internal correlation. The test–retest reliability was strong,
with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 (item ICCs ranging from 0.55 to 0.88), confirming temporal stability.
The Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.89, indicating good content validity. Regarding criterion and convergent
validity, the Mongolian PG-13-R showed statistically significant negative correlations with the WHOQOL-
BREF subdomains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and moderate
positive correlations with HADS anxiety and depression scores, consistent with theoretical expectations.
Factor analysis results indicated that the data were suitable for analysis (KMO=0.93; Bartlett’s test p<0.001). A single
factor with eigenvalue >1 emerged, explaining 62.1% of the total variance, with factor loadings ranging from 0.63 to 0.87,
consistent with the original structure.
Conclusion
The Mongolian version of the PG-13-R scale exhibited a stable one-factor structure and demonstrated strong
reliability and validity. It is a psychometrically sound and effective tool for assessing prolonged grief among the Mongolian
population.
6. To describe VARK learning styles of students in Nursing
Sergelentsetseg J ; Battamir U ; Gantsetseg T ; Oyunsuren E
Innovation 2015;9(2):66-68
The term ‘‘learning styles’’ refers to the concept that individuals differ in regard to what mode of instruction or study is most effective for them. There are some types of learning style model in the world and one of them is VARK model which was developed by N.Fleming. Teaching willbecome more effective when determine learning styles of students and teach them suitable way with their learning styles. The main goal of our study is to determine learning styles of nursing students. A descriptiveconfidential questionnaire survey was conducted on 100 students who are learning at Nursing School of MNUMS. They filled VARK questionnaire with 16 question.There are most common learning style was kinesthetic one and it means teaching will be more effective when simulation, close handed and practical sets are used and increased practice hours in the curriculum.
7.“Байгалийн Гүүн Хөх Scutellaria Baicalensis (Georgi) Ургамлын Элэгний Хавдрын Эсэд Үзүүлэх Нөлөөг (In Vitro) Судлах Нь
Tserentsoo B ; Tserendagwa D ; Zorig T ; Oyunsuren Ts ; Boldbaatar J ; Dagwatseren B
Journal of Oriental Medicine 2013;8(2):23-27
Монгол улсад элэгний хавдрын өвчлөл ихсэх хандлагатай байгаа бөгөөд эмийн
эмчилгээнд гаж нөлөө багатай ургамлын гаралтай эм хэрэглэх хандлага
нэмэгдэж энэ чиглэлийн судалгаа эрчимтэй өрнөж байна. Бидний судалгааны
ажлын зорилго нь Байгалийн гүүн хөх Scutellaria baicalensis (Georgi) ургамлын
хандны элэгний хавдрын эсэд үзүүлэх нөлөөг in vitro орчинд судлан тогтоох
явдал юм. Байгалийн гүүн хөх Scutellaria baicalensis (Georgi) ургамлаас гаргаж
авсан этанолын ханд элэгний анхдагч өмөнгийн эсэд дарангуйлах нөлөөтэй
байх магадлалтай. Судалгаанд элэгний хавдрын анхдагч эсийн өсгөвөр-PCC,
нохойн бөөрний MDCK шугаман эс болон Байгалийн гүүн хөх Scutellaria
baicalensis (Georgi) ургамлын газрын дээд хэсгийн этанолон ханд, Scutellaria
baicalensis (Georgi) ургамлын үндэсний этанолон хандаас ялгасан Skullcap
бэлдмэлийг ашиглав. Байгалийн гүүн хөх Scutellaria baicalensis (Georgi)
ургамлын ханд болон Skullcap бэлдмэл нь эсийн геномын ДНХ-д нөлөөлж
задрал, гэмтэл үзүүлээгүй. Харин нэгж эсээс ялгасан ДНХ-ийн концентраци
харилцан адилгүй байгаа нь хандаар үйлчилсэний дараа амüд үлдсэн
эсүүдийн тоотой шууд хамааралтай байх магадлалтай. Байгалийн гүүн хөх
Scutellaria baicalensis (Georgi) ургамлын ханд болон Skullcap бэлдмэл нь шууд
ДНХ-д нөлөөлөхгүй, өөр механизмаар эсийг үхэлд хүргэж байна. Бидний
судалгаагаар Байгалийн гүүн хөх Scutellaria baicalensis (Georgi) ургамлын ханд
100 µg/ml бэлдмэл эсийн Bcl-2 генийн экспрессийг идэвхжүүлж 6%-иар байв.
Skullcap бэлдмэл (100 µg/ml) 4,8 %, Байгалийн гүүн хөх Scutellaria baicalensis
(Georgi) ургамлын ханд 13,2%-иар ZFYVE1 генийн экспрессийг дарангуйлж
байна. 100 µg/ml концентраци бүхий бэлдмэл болон хандаар үйлчлэхэд тус бүр
GAPDH генийн экспресс 13,4% ба 18,9%-иар тус тус дарангуйлагдсан. 100
µg/ml бэлдмэл болон хандаар GPR175 генийн экспрессийг 34,1% ба 41,5%-иар
тус бүр дарангуйлж байв. Бидний судалгааны дүнд 100 µg/ml хандаар
үйлчлэхэд GPC3 генийн экспресс илэрсэнгүй. Судалгаагаар эсийн апоптозийн
процессийг гүйцэтгэгч CASP3 генийг олшруулах туршилтыг 3 давталттай
явуулсан ч уг ген илэрсэнгүй.
8.Effects of ellipin to function of hepatic cancer cells
Odgerel O ; Oyunsuren TS ; Erdenetuya M ; Erdenebaatar P ; Nomintuya G ; Temuujin J ; Khurelbaatar L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2011;172(2):118-124
Background: Development and progression of cancer is accompanied by different morphological and functional changes of cells. One of the most important changes is the expression and activity of enzymes in the cellular fatty acids metabolism that reflects in cell membrane lipid composition and increases fluidity of cancer cell membrane. The Ellipin, prepared from bovine liver, is a newly developed anticancer agent containing several important fatty acids.Goal: To investigate effects of Ellipin on hepatic cancer cell function such as proliferation, migration and adherent activity and apoptosis of cancer cell lines in vitro.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, MAS. The Ellipin was developed in the Drug Research Institute of Monos group. HepG2, HCC, 23132/87, MDCK cells lines and the primary liver cancer cells (PCC) were used for proliferation assay. Only HepG2 cell line was used for MTT, Migration, Spreading and Apoptosis assays.Results: The results of proliferation assay showed that the ellipin decreased the proliferation activity of HepG2 and PCC cells depending on concentrations; in 50μg/ml 2-3 times, 250μg/ml fully stopped cells divisions. The Ellipin reduced mitochondrial reeducates enzyme activity of HepG2 cells depending on its concentrations. For example, in 50μg/ml ellipin concentration case, the number of alive cells decreased 2 times. The migration of HepG2 cells treated with 100μg/ml ellipin was decreased by 22.3% compared to the control cells. Also the number of adhered cells was reduced by Ellipin treatment. After 50μg/ml, 100μg/ml, 250μg/ml ellipin treatment, the number of apoptic cells were 14,6%, 45,6%, 100% of initial culture cells, respectively.Conclusions: Our results showed that the Ellipin suppresses HepG2 cancer cell proliferation and decreases migration and spreading activities and also inducts the cell apoptosis.

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