1.Assessment of impairments in body functions and body structures among individuals with work capacity loss due to occupational diseases
Sansartsetseg Ts ; Achiimaa S ; Shinebileg B ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Gantugs Yu
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):72-79
Background:
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a comprehensive framework for assessing body functions, body structures, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental factors. The combined use of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the ICF can contribute to more comprehensive and person-centered approaches to rehabilitation planning, disability assessment, and compensation systems for work capacity loss.
Aim:
To assess individuals with occupational diseases and work capacity loss using the ICF framework and to evaluate impairments in body functions and impairments of body structures.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among individuals with work capacity loss due to occupational diseases. Data were collected using two sections of the ICF Checklist Version 2.1a, Clinician Form, focusing on body functions (b) and body structures (s). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS-26.0.
Result:
A total of 180 participants were included in the study, of whom 80.6% (n=145) were male and 19.4% (n=35) were female, with a mean age of 60.5±10.7 years. The mean duration of employment under hazardous occupational conditions was 19.5±5.2 years. Respiratory system disorders were 57.2% (n=103), and nervous system disorders were 20.0% (n=36). The internal consistency of the ICF assessment was high for the body functions impairment domain (Cronbach’s α=0.904) and acceptable for the body structures impairment domain (α=0.788). Sensory functions and pain impairments (b2) differed significantly across all occupational disease groups (p<0.001), while impairments of the structures of the nervous system (s1) also showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.015). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in the percentage of work capacity loss was significantly associated with body function impairment (OR=1.065; 95% CI: 1.003–1.131; p=0.030), while increasing age was significantly associated with impairments of body structures (OR=1.112; 95% CI: 1.013–1.234; p=0.042).
Conclusion
1. The body functions and body structures domains of the ICF Checklist Version 2.1a, Clinician Form, demonstrated adequate internal consistency, indicating that the ICF may be applicable for assessing individuals with occupational diseases.
2. Sensory function and pain impairments were common among individuals with occupational diseases. Furthermore, a higher percentage of work capacity loss was associated with greater body function impairment, while increasing age was associated with a higher risk of body structure impairment.
2.Environmental factors affecting access to rehabilitation services in occupational diseases
Sansartsetseg Ts ; Achiimaa S ; Shinebileg B ; Ulzii-Orshikh R ; Gantugs Yu ; Myagmarchuluun S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):116-122
Background:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using both the ICD and ICF frameworks in combination when assessing work disability. The ICF evaluates patients in terms of body functions, disability, and health-related functioning. Integrating ICD and ICF classifications is essential for accurate disability assessment, effective rehabilitation planning, and compensation processes.
Aim:
To investigate environmental factors influencing rehabilitation services among patients with work-related diseases who have experienced loss of work capacity, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Occupational Medicine of the Occupational Health Center. Data were collected from 150 patients with occupational diseases resulting in work disability. The ICF assessment tool developed by WHO was utilized. A total of 150 indicators across four main domains were assessed: 27 items on general information and health-related issues; 31 items on body functions (Group 1a); 16 items on body structures (Group 1b); 48 items on activities and participation (Group 2); and 32 items on environmental factors (Group 3). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were calculated.
Results:
A total of 150 patients with work disability due to occupational diseases were included in the study. The mean age was 60.5±10.9 years, with males comprising 80% (n=120) and females 20% (n=30). The reliability of the ICF questionnaire was acceptable across all domains (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7). Respiratory occupational diseases accounted for the largest proportion 58.7% ( n=88), followed by neurological conditions 19.3% (n=29) and surgical conditions 8.7% (n=13). Environmental factors affecting rehabilitation, support from health professionals (e360) showed moderate facilitation (2.0±1.0). In contrast, climate (e225) (-2.7±0.6), education services (e585) (-3.4±0.8), and employment services (e590) (-3.5±0.7) were identified as substantial barriers. Environmental factors were significantly associated with age and duration since diagnosis of occupational disease (p<0.05).
Conclusions
1. The integrated application of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of work-related disability. This approach moves beyond a purely diagnosis-based assessment to incorporate functional status and environmental determinants. 2. The findings highlight its significant value in optimizing rehabilitation service planning, identifying key barriers, and ultimately improving both the accessibility and effectiveness of rehabilitation services.
3.A case of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
Mandukhai T ; Odonchimeg B ; Bat-Olzii E ; Munkhtsetseg S ; Badamkhand N ; Dashdelger L ; Shinebileg D ; Nyamtsengel V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):150-153
Background:
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is a rare condition most commonly caused by Chlamydia trachomatis infection. It is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and inflammation of the liver capsule (perihepatitis). Due to its clinical presentation, early detection and careful differential diagnosis are essential.
Case Presentation:
We present the case of a 17-year-old female with a prior history of latent syphilis that had been treated. She developed progressively worsening lower abdominal pain and was admitted through the emergency department. Based on computed tomography (CT) findings, she was diagnosed with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome and received appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome should be suspected in sexually active women presenting with severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain requiring emergency care, especially when ultrasound findings show no abnormalities of the gallbladder but reveal signs of peritoneal inflammation in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. In such cases, abdominal CT plays a crucial role in diagnosis. Performing dynamic CT imaging, including the arterial phase, may improve diagnostic accuracy.
Result Analysis
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