1.Assessment of the undergraduate health social work curriculum: identifying areas for improvement
Sugarmaa M ; Undarmaa T ; Nansalmaa Kh ; Nadmidtseren G ; Zoljargalan G ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):34-39
Background:
The core competencies for the Bachelor’s program in Health Social Work were first developed in 2016. In 2023, the core competencies were revised in collaboration with international experts through the Fulbright Specialist Program. The updated framework includes nine general and 40 sub-competencies, with an emphasis on training social workers to provide person-centered, integrated services within the health sector. There is a need to further improve the current undergraduate curriculum by aligning with the updated core competencies.
Aim:
This study aimed to assess the alignment between the current undergraduate health social work curriculum and the revised core competencies. Through program mapping, we sought to identify overlaps, gaps, and areas for improvement that will inform future curriculum development.
Materials and Methods:
We employed content analysis and program mapping to evaluate 30 course curricula from the Health Social Work program. The selected courses included 6 General Foundation, 9 Professional Foundation, 12 Specialization, and 3 Field Practice courses. Each course’s learning objectives—categorized into knowledge, skills, and attitudes—were assessed against the revised competencies at three levels: Introducing, Applying, and Mastery. NVivo 14 software was used for data analysis.
Result:
Of the nine core competencies, three were well-integrated across the curriculum: (1) Assessment and (2) Intervention of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations; and (3) Engage diversity and difference in practice. Conversely, competencies related to the evaluation of practice and policy engagement were underrepresented. Among the 40 sub-competencies, 11 were either missing or insufficiently addressed in the curriculum. Program mapping revealed that 38% of the courses addressed competencies at the Introducing level, 60% at the Applying level, and only 2% at the Mastery level. Learning outcomes in Professional Foundation and Specialization courses generally demonstrated a progression from introductory to applied learning.
Conclusion
1. The revised core competencies are broadly aligned with the current curriculum. However, key areas—particularly evaluation of practice and engagement in policy practice—require further integration. 2. The curriculum also leans heavily toward introductory and applied levels, with limited opportunities for students to achieve mastery. Future curriculum revisions should focus on strengthening these underrepresented areas and enhancing learning outcomes at the mastery level.
2.Effect of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture Therapy on Postoperative Ileus Following Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
Undarmaa B ; Nasanhishig D ; Oyun-Erdene U ; Tserendulam G ; Anudari M ; Alzakhgui M ; Oyunbileg Yu ; Batchimeg N ; Enkhtuya V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):221-226
Background:
Adhesion small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a common complication following abdominal surgery and can significantly impair postoperative recovery. This condition necessitates the exploration of more effective therapeutic approaches.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM) combined with acupuncture in the management of postoperative ileus secondary to adhesion-related small bowel obstruction.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 47-year-old female patient who developed postoperative ileus. The therapeutic intervention consisted of a combined regimen of traditional herbal pharmacotherapy and electroacupuncture. The clinical outcomes were assessed based on the resolution of symptoms and the restoration of gastrointestinal function.
Result:
Following the administration of the integrated treatment, the patient exhibited a marked reduction in abdominal pain. Objective clinical improvement was noted through the successful restoration of intestinal peristalsis and the normalization of flatus and defecation.
Conclusion
The findings of this case study suggest that Traditional Mongolian Medicine, particularly when integrated with electroacupuncture, may be an effective and viable modality for promoting the recovery of gastrointestinal motility in patients with adhesion-related small bowel obstruction.
3.Treatment adherence and associated factors among patients receiving hemodialysis
Wu Leng ; ; Namuun G ; Anudari B ; Undarmaa J ; Altanbagana U ; Gankhuyag G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):36-42
Background:
Treatment adherence is essential to maintain treatment effectiveness and reduce complications among patients receiving hemodialysis. Patients are required to attend scheduled dialysis sessions, complete the prescribed dialysis duration, take medications as directed, and follow fluid and dietary restrictions. However, adherence may vary across different components of the treatment regimen.
Aim:
To assess treatment adherence and identify associated reasons and factors among patients receiving hemodialysis.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study a total of 260 patients who are receiving hemodialysis at the ‘Medvic’ Hemodialysis Centers located at the First Central Hospital and the Third Central Hospital. We assessed treatment adherence using the Mongolian version of the End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). We evaluated dialysis attendance and duration, medication use, fluid restriction, dietary adherence, and adherence barriers. Differences in ESRD-AQ total scores across demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using the independent-samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results:
The mean ESRD-AQ total score was 1093.37±99.04. Most participants did not miss (92.3%) or shorten (94.2%) dialysis sessions. In contrast, 57.7% always adhered to fluid restriction and 50.0% always followed dietary recommendations. Although most participants considered treatment recommendations very important, adherence to fluid and dietary restrictions remained comparatively lower. Common barriers included forgetting medication (61.7%), difficulty controlling fluid intake (88.7%), and difficulty avoiding restricted foods (82.5%). ESRD-AQ total scores differed significantly by sex, age group, and employment status (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Overall adherence to the hemodialysis treatment regimen was relatively good, with high compliance with attendance and full dialysis duration. However, adherence to fluid restriction and dietary recommendations remained poor. Furthermore, patients faced challenges such as difficulty monitoring fluid intake, inability to abstain from restricted foods, and forgetting to take medication. The total treatment adherence score differed significantly by gender, age group, and employment status.
4.Treatment of miniere’s disease (icd-10 h.81) using traditional medicine and therapeutic interventions: Case report
Undarmaa B ; Tserendulam G ; Oyun-Erdene U ; Oyunnyam Ch ; Nasankhishig D ; Khaliun E ; Tsegmed G ; Oyunbileg Yu ; Enkhtuya V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):72-74
Background:
Meniere's disease is a condition caused by disturbances in the
auditory and vestibular systems. It is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus. In the United States, the prevalence of
Meniere's disease has been found to be 84 cases per 100,000 women and
56 cases per 100,000 men. Regionally, it is more common in less populated
areas, and research has confirmed that the prevalence increases with higher
household income.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional medicine treatments and therapies
for Meniere's disease.
Results:
The patient is a 43-year-old male, with symptoms of dizziness, vomiting,
and tinnitus. Since 2023, he has sought care at the Central Hospital of
Mongolian Medicine, where he received traditional medicine treatments including
herbal therapy and other traditional therapies on three occasions. As a
result, the frequency of dizziness has decreased and other clinical symptoms
have improved.
Conclusion
Traditional medicine treatments have been shown to be effective
in managing Meniere's disease by extending the interval between relapses,
improving quality of life, and significantly reducing clinical symptoms.
5.Histopathological diagnosis of external genital epithelioid sarcoma
Munkhbat T ; Undarmaa E ; Saruul G ; Jigjidsuren A ; Dashjantsan G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2025;214(4):72-74
Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, which can be distal or proximal
types. The classic form (distal-type) of epithelioid sarcoma mainly occurs in teenagers and
young adults. A rarer form, called large-cell (proximal-type) epithelioid sarcoma, tends to
be more aggressive and mainly affects adults. The proximal subtype mostly arises from the
proximal pelvis, limbs, and genital tract. We report case of a 24 -year-old female, presented
the Uvurkhangai RDTC in 2024. The histological study showed a multinodular tumor was
seen comprising sheets of oval to polygonal cells with moderate amount of cytoplasm.
Interspersed were larger, rhabdoid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent
nucleoli.
6.Investigation of morphometric measurement of the eyelid and ocular axial position in Mongolian adults
Oyungerel B ; Lkhagvadulam Ts ; Sumyasuren U ; Misheel B ; Lkhagvadulam U ; Bundarkhi Kh ; Undarmaa Sh ; Uranchimeg G ; Sarantuya J
Innovation 2022;15(1-Ophthalmology):18-23
Background:
The shapes of the eye and upper eyelid are distinctive facial landmarks. The palpebral fissure is composed of the free edges of upper and lower eyelids the lateral and medial canthus. Many
researchers confirmed that the morphometric characteristics of the palpebral fissure, canthal distance
and exophthalmometirc value (EV) vary according to race, ethnicity, age and sex and normative values
which may serve as a reference in the index population. Knowledge of normal dimensions, the existence of asymmetry of the palpebral fissure is of value in several clinical specialties including ophthalmology, plastic and reconstructive surgery and traumatology, where it plays a part in the patient evaluation, management and outcomes.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmological Department, Third State Central
Hospital between January 2022 and August 2022. We included participants who are above 18 years, no history of congenital or traumatic craniofacial deformities, any orbital fractures, tumors and surgeries. All measured values that represent eyelid shape and EV were calculated by mean and standard deviation for statistical analysis.
Results:
A total of 103 participants aged 19-86 were included in the study, of which 44 (42.7%) were male
and 59 (57.3%) were female. The distance between the lateral and medial canthus ranged from 20 to 35 mm, and the mean of the right and left side was 28.30+3.23 mm and 28.05+2.99 mm, respectively (p=0.561). The palpebral fissure height ranged from 5 to 13 mm, and the mean of the right and left side was 8.85+1.65 mm and 8.80+1.65 mm, respectively (p=0.816). The mean distance between the lateral canthi were 90.39+5.57 (range: 80-105 mm), whereas the mean distance between the medial canthi were 63.75+4.25 (range: 53-73 mm). The orbital height varied between 27-43 mm (33.73+3.72) and 26-44 mm (33.78+3.73) on the right and left sides, while the orbital width varied between 26-47 mm (36.75+4.53) and 27-45 mm (36.72+4.42) on the right and left sides, respectively. When measuring the exophthalmometric value (EV), the axial position of the eyeball, with the Hertel’s exophthalmometer, it ranged from 8 to 20 mm on both sides (mean value 13.68+3.01 and 13.71+3.00 on the right and left sides, respectively), and there was no statistically significant difference in symmetry (p=0.94).
Conclusion
The results are determined different from the findings of Chinese, Korean, Afro-American and
Caucasian population based studies. Thus further evaluation is required to represent the normative value of Mongolian index population, that is highly beneficial for clinical assessment, diagnosis and management.
7.Interdependence of hepatitis B and C virus infection with M2BPGi marker
Battulga M ; Erdembayar O ; Munkhzaya D ; Bayanmunkh B ; Oyuntsetseg D ; Enkhjin B ; Undarmaa G ; Otgontungalag D ; Bolor A
Health Laboratory 2021;13(1):21-25
Introduction:
Over 800,000 people in the world contract HCC each year and approximately 700,000 die from the disease. HCC is the 6th most common cancer in the world. HCC is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. 2/3 of liver cancer deaths are caused by hepatitis. In the U.S, HCV infection is the more common cause of HCC, while in Asia and Africa, HBV is more common. Mongolia ranks first in the world in mortality from liver cancer, indicating the need for early detection and treatment of cirrhosis. Sysmex Corporation has introduced for HISCL series analyser, a new cirrhosis marker M2BPGi of non-invasive, blood-testing. In 2016, the test was introduced
at Medipas Hospital in Orkhon province. It is possible to study the advantages and significance of the marker for use in clinical practice.
Materials and methods:
From a total of 385 patients who underwent M2BPGi marker testing in 2016-2017Medipas hospital laboratory, data from a total of 283 patients tested for hepatitis B and C virus and M2BRGi markers were selected. A comparison of age, sex, and test parameters of a total of HCVab and HBsAg positive 172 patients tested for Total bilirubin, GPT, GOT, GGT, AFP and M2BPGi. HCV Ab, HBsAg, AFP, M2BPGi markers were analyzed by SysmexHISCL-5000 fully automated immunological analyzer, Liver function tests were performed with a fully automatic biochemical analyzer JEOL Biomajesty BM6010/C.
Results:
Of the M2BPGi marker tested 283 patients 94 (33%) were infected with the C virus, 78 (28%) were with the B virus,11 (4%) were co-infected with B and C viruses, 100 (35%) no any viral infection. Of the 172 patients diagnosed with hepatitis B and C virus infection, 97 (56%) were male, 75 (44%) were female. In terms of age, 72% of the population is over 45 years old.
Of the 172 patients, 115 (67%) had M2BPGi marker abnormal or > 1.0 COI. Of the M2BPGi marker abnormal patients, 47 (41%) were infected with the B virus and 68 (59%) with the C virus. In terms of age, 27.7% of hepatitis B patients and 10.3% of hepatitis C patients were under 45 years of age, 72.3% of hepatitis B patients and 89.7% of hepatitis C virus patients were over 45 years of age.
Hepatitis B and C viruses are slightly more common in men than in women. The majority of patients infected with the hepatitis virus over the age of 45. The majority of patients with hepatitis virus have abnormal liver function. Increased M2BPGi markers in people under the age of 45 with hepatitis B virus infection are relatively higher for hepatitis B virus infection than for C virus infection.
Conclusions
The M2BPGi marker was abnormal in 67% of hepatitis virus infected patients. It has been observed that the probability of an increase in M2BPGi marker is slightly higher in hepatitis C virus infection than in hepatitis B virus infection.
8.RECURRENCE RATE WITH USE OF INTRAOPERATIVE MITOMYCIN C AND CONJUNCTIVAL AUTOGRAFT FOLLOWING PTERYGIUM EXCISION
Gantsooj N ; Undarmaa T ; Tuvshintugs B ; Tumur G ; Bolortungalag P ; Sainbileg D ; Enkhzul D ; Tumurbaatar B ; Burenjargal P ; Enkh-Oyun Ts
Innovation 2018;12(3):28-30
BACKGROUND: Pterygium is a fibrovascular wing shaped encroachment of conjunctiva
onto the cornea. Although the pathogenesis remains obscure, the ultraviolet radiations
(UVR), especially UVR-A and UVR-B (290-400 nm), are considered the most dangerous in
developing pterygium among other environmental factors (hot, dry, windy, dusty and
smoky environments and hereditary factors. The main histopathological change in primary
pterygium is elastotic degeneration of conjunctival collagen. Patient complaints include
foreign body feeling and visual loss due to corneal astigmatism or growth over the pupil and
cosmetic problems. Anti-inflammatory drugs and lubricants have an important role minimizing
the patient’s discomfort, but they do not cure the disease. After surgical removal there are
still many recurrences regardless of the method used. Autologous conjunctival grafting seems
to be the best method, given both the low recurrence rate and high safety. As described first
by Kenyon et al. in 1985, a conjunctival autograft reported a recurrence rate of 5.3% with
infrequent and relatively minor complications. The primary disadvantage of this technique
is the prolonged operative time required when compared to the bare sclera technique.
These disadvantages are outweighed by the lack of sight-threatening complications and the
relatively low recurrence rate, which made this procedure gain popularity in many centers.
The application of intraoperative 0.02% mitomycin C for the 5 minutes is efficient in reducing
the recurrence rate to a minimum.
METHODS: This retrospective case series, single center study was conducted on 239
patients, who underwent pterygium excision from Jan 2017 to Dec 2017 at the Department
of Ophthalmology of the First Central Hospital. All patients had a detailed ophthalmic
examination before the surgical intervention. Data were collected through a prepared
questionnaire. Postoperative follow-up examination sheets were evaluated. Data
for recurrence rate of pterygium excision were collected and analyzed by using SPSS version 17..
RESULTS: Among the 239 patients, who underwent an operation, 37.2% (n=89) were male and
62.8% (n=150) were female. Participants’ age ranged from 29 -70 years with mean age of 49.5
years old.
There is no statistical significance between the stages of the disease and its post-operative
outcome in the patients, who underwent pterygium excision surgery in 2017. Postoperative
pterygium recurrence was in 9 patients (3.8%); 5 (55.5%) out of all 9 patients with recurred
pterygium had underwent pterygium excision without conjunctival autograft.
MMC was not used intraoperatively for all 9 (3.8%) patients with recurrence post pterygium
excision.
CONCLUSION: The relationship between pterygium stage and its post-operative recurrence
was not statistically significant (P=0.683).
The recurrence rate after pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft was low (P≤0.001)
which showed significant statistically.
There was no recurrence after pterygium excision with MMC (P≤0.001).
The results of studies from Canada, Hong-Kong, India, Philippines and Iran were similar to our
outcome.
9.Detection of virulent of Klebsiella isolates from ñlinical samples
Undarmaa G ; Munkhdelger YA ; Bayarlakh B ; Oyunchimeg R ; Dolgorjav B ; Sarantuya J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2016;175(1):21-25
IntroductionKlebsiella spp is a well-known opportunistic pathogen associated with nosocomial infections such asurinary tract, septicaemia and pneumonia number of multi-drug resistant strains and infections causedby Klebsiella has progressively increased, causing treatment limitations.GoalIdentify of phenotype of Klebseilla isolates from ñlinical samplesMaterials and MethodsA total of 112 Klebsiella strains were isolated from clinical samples in State Central First Hospital and StateCentral Third Hospital from July 2015 through December 2015. The bacterial isolates were identifi edaccording to cultural characteristics, biochemical test and API20E. The serum resistance, capsule andhypermucoviscosity, cell surface protein (curly), a-hemolysin and ability to form biofi lm were sought byphenotypic assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by diffusion method.ResultA total of 112 Klebsiella samples were collected. The bacterial isolates were identifi ed according tocultural characteristics, biochemical test and API20E, the results revealed that 16.1 percent isolateswere identifi ed as K.oxytoca all of them 83.9 percent isolates were belong to K.pneumonia. Therewere observed for ampicillin (99 percent), nitrofurantoin (53.6 percent), cepalotin (50.6 percent) and51 percent of isolates were considered as a multiple drug resistant. Serum resistance properties ofK.pneumoniae was resistance 89.4 percent, intermediately susceptible 4.3 percent, sensitive 6.4percent and for K.oxytoca resistance 88.9 percent, intermediately susceptible 5.6 percent, sensitive 5.6percent. The hemolysin àalpha was detected in 32.2 percent, and gamma, beta in 66.96 percent, 0.9percent respectively. The capsule was observed in 46.5 percent and hypermucoviscosity in 27.7 percentof isolates. The cell surface protein (curly) and biofi lm were detected in 100 percent.Conclusion:Both K.pneumoniae and K.oxytoca isolates from clinical samples have similar virulent properties, andthe a-hemolysin and hypermucoviscosity positive isolates were more resistance to antibiotics.
10.The results of early detection program of uterine cervical cancer in Ulnaanbaatar
Uyanga G ; Oyunchimeg D ; Undarmaa T ; Enkhtuya SH
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2016;176(2):19-24
GoalTo evaluate the quality, results, and processing of cytology analyses of early detection program ofuterine cervical cancer implemented in Mongolia, which based on Pap test, at Ulaanbaatar city level.Materials and MethodsInformation was collected from the databases of the recalling system of screening program of theCancer registration and information unit of the NCC of Mongolia and districts pathology laboratoreis.Statistical significant level of 1.96 (95% CI) andthe margins of error 0.05 were considered andsample size was calculated by using the information that 10% of unsatisfied results appear onquality assurance of international level. Thus calculations were madefortotal of 1723 (585 positiveand negative 1138) samples, by collecting 287smears from each district.At the district level all the selected slides were reviewed blindly and compared to the previouscytological conclusion. Diagnostic validity was defined by calculating parameters such as specificityand sensitivity, positive and negative predicted values. The Kappa index criteriais used for statisticalcalculation of the cytological diagnosis conclusion matches.ResultsThe target group women coverage of cervical cancer screening program is 40.8%. Out of all positiveresults of early screening cytology, 77% were at an early stage and 23% were at an advanced stage.Thus positive signs were showed with increased detection results in early stage of uterine cervicalcancer (P = 0.05). Positive results of Pap test were follows; ASCUS (53.2%), ASC-H (10.0%), LSIL(19.2%), HSIL (13.4%), CIS (3.4%), and SCC (0, 8%). Out of total slides, 86.7% were as satisfactory.The test results conducted at the district level were90.1% of sensitivity, 88.8% of specificity and9.9% of false negative response. The discrepancy of results of cytology test in districts and repeatedseen is 31.4% (K = 0.749; p = 0.001).ConclusionThe coverage of cervical cancer screening program that has been implementing in our country isnot enough. There are problems at the district level including severe damages of uterine cervix andincomplete diagnosis. The quality of the cytology test is relatively unsatisfied.
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