1.First successful whole lung lavage for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in Mongolia: A Case Report
Amartuvshin G ; ; Altanzul L ; Ichinnorov D ; ; Naidansuren Ts ; Solongo B ; Densenbal D ; ; Tumen-Ulzii G ; ; Allabyergyen M ; Tumurjin G ; Khaliun P ; Tamir L ; Erdenetuya E ; Byambasuren S ; Ankhzaya B ; Ganbold L ; Manaljav Ts ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):212-216
Background:
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disorder characterized by the accumulation of surfactant within the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory insufficiency. Although the disease is uncommon, it significantly affects patients’ quality of life and requires specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is considered the standard treatment; however, it has not been widely implemented in Mongolia. We report the first successful case of WLL performed for PAP in Mongolia.
Case Presentation:
A 56-year-old male presented with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography demonstrated a bilateral “crazy paving” pattern. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, and anti–GM-CSF antibodies were detected, confirming the diagnosis of PAP. WLL was performed under general anesthesia using a double-lumen endotracheal tube with bronchoscopic guidance. One lung was ventilated with 100% oxygen while the contralateral lung was sequentially lavaged with 800–1000 mL of warm (37°C) saline per cycle until the effluent became clear. A total of approximately 20 liters of saline was used.
Result:
The procedure was completed successfully without complications. Following treatment, the patient showed marked clinical improvement with reduced dyspnea and increased exercise tolerance. Oxygen saturation improved from 88% to 93%, and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV₁) demonstrated improvement. Chest imaging revealed a reduction in pulmonary opacities.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the successful implementation of whole lung lavage (WLL) in Mongolia and highlights its importance in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic capacity for rare pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The procedure resulted in significant improvement in clinical, functional, and radiological parameters, consistent with findings from international studies. Early diagnosis of PAP and the adoption of standardized protocols in accordance with international guidelines are essential to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.
2.Stress among university faculty members
Solongo D ; Odgerel B ; Taivanjargal G ; Ariunaa J ; Delgermaa S ; Orgilmaa R
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):293-297
Background:
Teaching is a profession associated with high levels of stress. Research has shown that when job demands are high while organizational support is insufficient, levels of stress and burnout increase.
Aim:
Prior to conducting our study aimed at determining the stress levels among university faculty members, we performed a literature review.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a literature search using the PubMed and Embase databases for studies published in English without restriction on publication year, including all relevant articles available up to September 2025. The search strategy included the following keywords: “stress,” “researchers,” “university professors,” “academic researchers,” “college,” “academics,” “scholars,” “teachers,” and “professors.”
Results:
We searched for English-language publications in the PubMed and Embase databases without year restrictions, including studies published up to September 2025. The search was conducted using the following mesh terms: “stress,” “researchers,” “university professors,” “academic researchers,” “college,” “academics,” “scholars,” “teachers,” and “professors.” A total of 3,961 articles were identified from the database search. After screening titles, 2,944 articles were excluded. Subsequently, 58 articles were reviewed based on their abstracts, and 12 studies that were relevant to our research objectives and questionnaire were selected for analysis.
Conclusion
This review study demonstrated that stress levels among university and college faculty members are high. Stress is associated with multiple factors, including workload, organizational support, and performance demands, leading to negative physical and psychological consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to implement systematic institutional-level interventions to support the well-being of faculty members.
3.Core Competencies of the Occupational Therapy Program: Consensus developed by a modified Delphi survey combined with the nominal group technique
Bulganchimeg S ; Erdenetsetseg M ; Batgerel O ; Solongo S ; Oyungoo O
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):200-205
Background:
The learning outcomes of a program are defined by the knowledge,
skills, and attitudes that students are expected to acquire by the end of
the curriculum. For occupational therapy professionals, it is essential to successfully
implement both pre-graduation and post-graduation programs and to
assess the effectiveness of the curriculum by clearly identifying the competencies
expected of graduates in society.
Aim:
To identify the core competencies required for training occupational
therapists at both pre-graduation and post-graduation levels.
Materials and Methods:
A modified Delphi method combined with Nominal
Group Technique (NGT) was employed. The study was conducted in three
phases from April 2022 to May 2024. In the initial online survey, a total of 83
participants were involved, including occupational therapy students, graduates,
and members of the Mongolian Association of Occupational Therapists.
A nominal group consisting of four experts held several focus group discussions
to review and vote on the proposed competencies, forming a revised
list. In the final phase (second-round Delphi), the updated list was distributed
online again to collect additional feedback.
Results:
A total of 136 individuals participated in the online surveys throughout
the study. The final list of competencies was synthesized based on three
main international standards: the World Federation of Occupational Therapists
(WFOT) Minimum Standards for Education (2016), the Canadian Association
of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) Profile of Occupational Therapy Practice
(2012), and the TUNING Educational Competencies in Europe. Through five
rounds of NGT meetings, one online scoring session, and a final Delphi round,
a total of 12 program learning outcomes (PLOs), 198 core competencies for
the pre-graduation level, and 86 competencies for the post-graduation level
were identified.
Conclusion
By applying consensus techniques, we developed a structured
list of core competencies at both the basic and advanced levels aligned with
the 12 program learning outcomes (PLOs) of the occupational therapy curriculum.
This list can serve as a practical reference framework for future curriculum
design and professional training programs in the occupational therapy.
4.Comparative study of subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat area among healthy and metabolic syndrome patients
Munkh-Erdene U ; Odmaa T ; Solongo Ts ; Ganchimeg S ; Egshiglen G ; Anir B ; Ariunaa A ; Navchaa G ; Tulgaa S ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):36-41
Background:
Obesity, especially central obesity, is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia,
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Aim:
Study the association between the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) with lipid metabolism
parameters in adults with MetS.
Materials and Methods:
Data from 1511 participants who visited the ‘NURA Mongolia’ Ai Health screening center
between September 2023 and February 2024, including general information, DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), and
biochemical analysis results, were used. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) was assessed based on the harmonizing criteria 2009
(≥3 criteria). VFA and SFA were categorized into four groups using quartiles (Q1-Q4). Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS v26, including T-tests, multiple logistic regression (OR, 95% CI), and ROC (AUC) analysis.
Results:
The average age of the participants was 30.5±3.9 years, with a BMI of 25.1 kg/m², and 49.5% were male. The
group with MetS (n=531) had significantly higher levels of VFA and SFA compared to the group that rated their health as
relatively healthy and had no clinical diagnosis (n=979) (control group) (p<0.0001), with males showing higher VFA and
females showing higher SFA (p<0.0001). The Q4 group for VFA had a significant association with MetS in males (4.611,
95% CI=2.394–9.591) and females (2.253, 95% CI=1.097-3.912) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased
VFA was more strongly associated with MetS in males (β=0.325, p<0.0001) and females (β=0.338, p<0.003) than
BMI. The AUC for predicting MetS was 0.790 (95% CI=0.750-0.831) for VFA and 0.401 (95% CI=0.351-0.451) for SFA,
with all results being statistically significant (p<0.001). VFA had a higher predictive value compared to other markers.
Conclusion
In healthy men with metabolic syndrome, VFA is more prominently defined, while SFA is higher in healthy
women. Since VFA is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than SFA, it increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular
diseases and type 2 diabetes in men, whereas SFA in women serves as a protective factor.
5.A Study on the Learning Motivation and Engagement Level of Generation Z Students
Otgontsend O ; Ganbaatar B ; Odgerel B ; Ariunaa J ; Enkhbold D ; Delgermaa S ; Orgilmaa R ; Solongo D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):200-204
Background:
Generation Z students, born after 1995, are characterized by their ability to multitask, low tolerance for
traditional learning methods, impatience, short attention span, and preference for working independently rather than
collaboratively. They are also considered more vulnerable to mental health challenges compared to previous generations.
Aim:
To assess the level of academic engagement among Generation Z students studying in the School of Nursing.
Materials and Methods:
This descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from February 1 to April
1, 2025. A total of 420 students majoring in nursing, midwifery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and traditional
medicine nursing at the School of Nursing, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, participated in the study.
The Student Course Engagement Questionnaire (Handelsman, 2005) was used to evaluate students’ engagement levels.
The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach’s α of 0.955. Statistical analysis was performed using
SPSS version 25, and results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.
Results:
Among the 420 participants, 91.9% were female and 8.1% were male. By major, 57.1% studied nursing, 22.6%
midwifery, 8.8% physical therapy, and the remainder were from other disciplines. Student engagement was analyzed
across three domains: academic involvement, personal responsibility and effort, and learning attitude and motivation.
Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between academic involvement and personal responsibility/
effort (r=0.828), learning attitude and motivation (r=0.825), and between responsibility/effort and learning attitude/
motivation (r=0.903) (p<0.01). Age showed a weak positive correlation with year of study (r=0.381), while major and
year of study had a weak negative correlation (r= -0.146) (p<0.01). Year of study and learning motivation also showed a
weak negative correlation (r=-0.107, p<0.05).
Conclusion
The learning motivation and class engagement of Generation Z nursing students were found to be strongly
correlated with their sense of responsibility, effort, and learning attitude (r=0.82–0.90, p<0.01). Most students demonstrated
consistent participation and motivation to learn, showed less interest in traditional teaching approaches, and preferred
practical training.
6.Study of exposure and vaccination coverage of the medical students
Yanjindulam B ; Naranzul B ; Ulziisuren B ; Byambasuren S ; Gantsetseg G ; Solongo G ; Narangerel P ; Nyammkhuu D ; Nyamsuren B ; Munkhzul D ; Batchimeg Ch ; Ganchimeg Ch ; Oyunbileg D ; Khosbayar T
Diagnosis 2023;106(3):109-117
Background:
To prevent and combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Mongolia has implemented measures such as movement and time restrictions, social distancing and isolation, closure of schools, kindergartens and public places, immunization, and others. It has caused adverse consequences for people, social relations, and the economy, causing health, social, economic, and humanitarian crises. Not only does this situation, medical students, as frontline healthcare workers, are more susceptible to virus infection. Vaccines against COVID-19 have been researched quickly due to the pandemic and are being used under emergency use authorization. In our country the approach of mixing vaccine doses from different manufacturers was used (fractional doses). Therefore, there is no study on the exposure of medical students to the COVID-19 infection and the adverse effects after receiving a dose of a heterologous vaccine. Objective: To study the exposure to the COVID-19 infection and vaccination status of medical students.
Methods:
The survey was conducted from November 2023 to December 2023 using a cross-sectional study design, and 170 students who study at ASUSU and live in the dormitory were included.
Results:
A total of 170 students participated in the study. 55.9% (n=95) of them were in the first year, 22.4% (n=38) were in the second year, 10% (n=17) were in the third year, 7.6% (n=13) were in the fourth year, 2.4% (n=4) were from the 5th year and 1.8% (n=3) were from the 6th year students. 88.2% (n=150) of students were female and 11.8% (n=20) were male. In this study, 37.1% of the students were infected by COVID-19 infection previously. Among them, 50% of the students were infected from family members, 16.7% from the school environment, and 15.2% did not know about the source of infection. 76.2% of the respondents were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a medical institution, and forty-one students answered that they were treated at the hospital. 83% of the cases were treated at home and were cured within 14 days. In contrast, 93.8% of the hospitalized students were treated within four months to 1 year. The current study demonstrates neurological, respiratory, sensory, cardiovascular, psychiatric, digestive, and dermatological symptoms were in 37.6%, 24.1%, 27.6%, 17.6%, 11.8%, 11.2%, and 10% of the students who participated in the study, respectively. For a year or more, symptoms of all organ systems were present, but neurological symptoms appeared to be the highest. 55.9% (n=115) of the enrolled students received 3 or 4 doses of the vaccine, 3.5% (n=6) did not receive the vaccine. In total, 35% (n=60) of the enrolled students experienced side effects and 65% (n=106) had no side effects.
Conclusion
In this study, 37.1% of the students were infected by COVID-19 infection previously. According to the current study, symptoms related to the nervous system was the most prevalent and 55.9% (n=115) of the enrolled students received 3 or 4 doses of the vaccine. In total, 35% (n=60) of the enrolled students experienced side effects.
7.THE STUDY OF FEMALE INFERTILITY WITH ANTI-TPO AND ANTI-TG AUTOIMMUNE DEFICIENCY IN THYROID GLAND
Tuvshibayar N ; Solongo M ; Ariunaa E ; Davaakhuu S ; Khishigjargal U ; Dulguun Kh ; Munkhzol M ; Odkhuu E
Innovation 2018;12(1):35-39
BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10-15% of couples of reproductive age have infertility. According to researcher D. Sukhe (1999), hormonal infertility in the reproductive age of women was 33.6%, which was a large part of the cause of infertility. In recent years, the number of cases of endocrine disorders, including malignancy and sexually transmitted infections, has been increasing year by year. According to WHO reports, thyroid disorders have a prevalence of 49.3% for active reproductive age (30-50). According to the report of the Health Development Center in 2016, since the thyroid disorders are the second most common disease in endocrine gland disease, our study found that the infertility in reproductive age of women can be substantial due to the loss of thyroid gland.
METHODS: The study was carried out by the couple of 20-45 year-olds and modeled as an analytical study model. The questionnaire was used for the couple’s interviews and some of the measurement of body and serum use of TOSOH Corporation AIA-360, Tokyo, Japan. On the serum, anti-TPO and аnti-TG carbohydrates are identified by the Cobas e-411 analyzer under the manufacturer’s accompanying protocol.
RESULTS: 76.7% of women were diagnosed with infertility euthyroid, 0.7% hyperthyroidism, 22.6% hypothyroidism (3.8% with overt hypothyroidism and 18.8% subclinical hypothyroidism). Prevalence of TAI, in 6.7% isolated positive anti-Tg were found, and 14.3% had isolated positive TPO, In 3.7% of cases, both types of autoantibodies were present.
We analysed binary logistic regression for anti-TPO and anti-TG autoantibody in the positive and negative group in past obstetrics history, evidence of positive of anti-TPO and anti-Tg was increased risk of miscarriage 2.2 times (OR = 2.2, p <0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Women with disorders in our study have high percentage of subclinical hypothyroidism and have higher rate of thyroid autobodies in serum which may be a problem for women with infertility and pregnancy complications due to the loss of thyroid gland. There is a need to develop a principle of recovery and treatment.
8. Determining attitude toward profession of nursing students
Innovation 2015;9(2):40-42
Nursing is the largest group of health system, possessing considerable potential power that could be influential on the quality of health care services system. One of the important aspects of the development of nursing education and promotion of nursing strategies is a positive attitudeof nursing students. The present study was determine the attitude and perception toward the nursing profession.A cross-sectional study design was used. 496 nursing students from School of Nursing, HSUM,Ach, Etugen, Nursing Faculty, Ulaanbaatar university and Enerel medical institute were involved in this study using a nursing professional attitude and perception questionnaire. 5,65% of participating 496 nursing students were (n=28) male, and 94,35% (n=468) were female. 64% (n=316) of them studies for a bachelor degree, and 36% (180) for a diploma in nursing. Most of them or 85,28 % students have evaluated this profession is the most responsibility. And72,58% of them think after graduating will be that very satisfied. 86,09 % nursing students think that is very pleasure profession for helping patients. In generally these results had showed that most students had positive attitude toward their profession but we have revealed that 40,9% (203) of nursing students wanted to change theirfield.
9. Assessment on curriculum of nursing bachelor degree
Odonjil P ; Solongo D ; Odongua N ; Oyuntsetseg S ; Dorjderem CH
Innovation 2014;8(3):50-53
BACKGROUNDThe study was based on the reason that skills, attitude and knowledge of the nurses who are working in healthcare organizations do not satisfy customers and to assess undergraduate nursing curriculum.METHOD306 nurses and specialist are involved. Nursing curriculums of Vermont University of USA, Yonsei University of Korea, National College of Nursing, Japan and Ulaanbaatar University of Mongolia are compared and studied with our curriculum.RESULTStudy shows that curriculum contents of School of Nursing, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences have comparatively less contents of understanding about healthy person, assessment on human, giving advice healthy human, path anatomy, physiology, communication skills.CONCLUSION42% of participants assessed their knowledge at the low level. Curriculum credits of School of Nursing, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences is 142, comparatively much more than other schools shows that the need of innovation to the curriculum of nursing bachelor degree.
10.Research report on smoking habits in schools students in Ulaanbaatar
Oyun-Erdene O ; Solongo CH ; Tsegmed S ; Enkhtuya P ; Kupul J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2013;163(1):88-94
The research on the smoking habits among 8th-to-12th grade students of schools was conducted using a random sampling method among the 13-18 years old school students.Materials and MethodsThe research was performed using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative part of the research was performed by conducting surveys among randomly selected secondary school students according to prepared and approved questionnaires. The qualitative study was performed by organizing focus groups based on prepared discussion guidelines. Sampling: the survey participants were students in grades 8-12 from both public and private schools in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. A total of 1190 students from the 12 secondary schools of 6 districts were selected through random sampling.Resultsto the question of whether the participants have tried to smoke once or twice, 36,1% (407) responded positively. Among these respondents, 49.6% (272) are male and 23.2 (135) are female. This confirms the statistical data that male students are more exposed to the habit of smoking than female students (x2=57.8, p<0.01). The percentage of the currently smoking students is 11.2% (77) of whom 17.9% are male and 4.8% are female. Of the current smokers, 6.8% smoke every day (x2=48.3, p<0.01). The average age of taking up smoking was 14.0[±1.8] of which males students began using tobacco at 13.9[±1.8] years and females at 14.3[±1.6]. Among the smoking students, 10[±2.1]% were from public schools and 17.3[±2.8]% were from private schools (x2=8.1, p<0.01).

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