Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global mental health, exacerbating anxiety, depression, and insomnia, with prevalence rates of 25–30%, 27–32%, and 30–45%, respectively—2–3 times higher than pre-pandemic levels. Neuroticism, a key personality trait from the Big Five model, characterized by heightened negative emotions and stress reactivity, has been linked to increased vulnerability. Meta-analyses show neuroticism triples anxiety risk (OR=3.21; 95% CI: 2.35–4.39) and correlates strongly with insomnia (r=0.46, p<0.001) and depression during the pandemic. In Mongolia, empirical data on neuroticism's role remains limited. Objective: This study examines whether neuroticism acts as a risk factor for anxiety, depression, and insomnia among hospitalized patients during COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study enrolled 552 patients (72.3% COVID-19 cases, 27.7% controls) from tertiary hospitals in Mongolia (2024). Participants (mean age 52.8±15.5 years; 60.5% female) completed self-reported questionnaires: Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) for neuroticism, PHQ-9 for depression, GAD 7 for anxiety, ISI for insomnia, and PCL 5 for PTSD. Sociodemographics were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 with chi-square tests (p<0.05 significance). Instruments showed high reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.81–0.89). Ethical approval was obtained from MNUMS Ethics Committee (No. 2024-Psy-17). Results: Overall, 79.5% were depression free, 84.8% anxiety-free, and 77.5% insomnia-free. High neuroticism (n=381) was significantly associated with depression (24.4% vs. 11.7%, p<0.001), anxiety (18.6% vs. 7.6%, p<0.001), insomnia (28.3% vs. 9.4%, p<0.001), and any mental disorder (21.3% vs. 7%, p<0.001), but not PTSD (p=0.472). Cholerics (n=200) showed elevated risks (depression 29.5%, insomnia 34.5%, p<0.001), while sanguines/phlegmatics were protective. Verbal expression and trust levels showed no significant associations. Conclusion Neuroticism significantly heightens risks for anxiety, depression, and insomnia during COVID-19, underscoring the need for targeted psychological interventions. Temperament-informed screening could enhance prevention strategies in crisis settings.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a clinically significant pathogen widely distributed in food production environments. Its ability to form biofilms on food contact surfaces enhances 50 environmental persistence, increases antibiotic resistance 10–1500-fold, and poses serious challenges for food safety and public health. In Mongolia, data on the biofilm-forming ability of S. aureus in meat processing and retail environments are limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 437 samples collected from meat supply and retail sites, including raw meat, aprons, counters, trolleys, and workers’ hands. Isolation and confirmation of S. aureus were performed using MNS 6308:2012 and ISO 6888-1:2021 standards, followed by PCR amplification of the species-specific nucA gene (270 bp). Biofilm formation was evaluated using the microtiter plate assay with 0.5% glucose supplemented tryptic soy broth and optical density at 490 nm, and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests with p< 0.05 considered significant. Of the 437 samples, 14.2% (62/437) were contaminated with S. aureus. Contamination was higher in retail markets (25.9%) than supply sites (9.3%). Among isolates, 40.3% exhibited biofilm-forming ability: 29.0% weak, 9.7% moderate, and 1.6% strong. Biofilm formation did not significantly differ by sampling site or sample type (p>0.05). SEM imaging revealed distinct biofilm architectures with polysaccharide matrices at 80,000× magnification. A considerable proportion of S. aureus isolates from meat processing and retail environments exhibited biofilm forming ability, posing a potential risk for cross-contamination and persistent foodborne transmission. Strengthened hygiene and sanitation measures are essential to control biofilm-associated S. aureus contamination in Mongolia’s meat production and supply chain.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted mental health, particularly exacerbating conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional disorders among hospitalized patients. This study examined the prevalence of COVID-19-related mental health issues and risk factors in hospitalized patients affiliated with MNUMS, compared to a control group. Aim: To assess the prevalence of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to identify their associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at hospitals under MNUMS, including the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital, Central Hospital, and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health. A total of 552 participants (399 case group, 153 control group) who were hospitalized were included. Depression (PHQ-9≥10), anxiety (GAD-7≥10), insomnia (ISI≥15), and PTSD (PCL-5≥33) were assessed using standardized scales. Analysis was performed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression (crude odds ratio [cOR]/adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI]), adjusted for group, age, and sex. Results: In the case group, depression (23.1% vs. 13.7%, p=0.015, cOR=1.884 [1.124-3.156]), anxiety (16.8% vs. 11.1%, p=0.096), and any mental disorder (18.0% vs. 13.7%, p=0.225) were higher, while insomnia was lower (19.5% vs. 30.1%, p=0.008). PTSD was low overall (1.8% vs. 0.7%, p=0.333). Risk factors included female sex (p<0.001, cOR=0.362 for depression in males), younger age (p=0.004), unemployment (p=0.017), and prior trauma (p<0.001). COVID-19 symptoms (difficulty breathing) increased the risk of depression (p<0.001, cOR=2.828 [1.708-4.682]). Conclusion Hospitalization for COVID-19 increases the risk of depression and anxiety, modulated by demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups are essential.

Background: COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, was declared a global pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020, leading to over 770 million infections and 7 million deaths worldwide. In Mongolia, the first case emerged on March 10, 2020, followed by more than 1 million infections and over 2,100 deaths by 2023. The virus affects the central nervous system, manifesting as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD through biological pathways (e.g., ACE-2 receptor invasion, cytokine storm) combined with psychological stressors (e.g., fear, isolation). Global studies (WHO Mental Health Atlas 2022; Ettman et al., JAMA 2020; Huang et al., Lancet Psychiatry 2021; Xie et al., BMJ 2022) indicate a 25–40% rise in depression and anxiety during the pandemic’s first year, with 30–60% of infected individuals experiencing persistent symptoms 6–12 months post-infection. In Mongolia, cross-sectional surveys (National Center for Mental Health 2021: 28.7% moderate-to-severe depression, 22.4% high anxiety) have been conducted, but long-term prospective data remain scarce. This study evaluates longitudinal changes in depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD among COVID-19 patients over 12 months, compared to a control group. Aim: To conduct long-term follow-up and comparative assessment of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among individuals who have had COVID-19 Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 459 adults (326 COVID-19 cases, 133 controls) were recruited from MNUMS-affiliated hospitals, Central Hospital, and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health between 2021 and 2023. Participants without baseline mental disorders underwent follow-up assessments at 14 days, 3 months, and 12 months using validated scales: PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), ISI (insomnia), and PCL-5 (PTSD). Incident cases were identified through baseline exclusion. Data were analyzed via χ² tests, t-tests, relative risk (RR) calculations, and multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: Baseline demographics were comparable between groups (mean age 46.3 ± 13.8 years; 58.4% female). At 12 months, the COVID-19 group exhibited higher rates of depression (37.3% vs. 16.9%; RR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.28–3.83, p = 0.003) and anxiety (28.0% vs. 11.2%; RR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.25–4.96, p = 0.006). Insomnia was lower in the COVID-19 group (33.3% vs. 49.4%; RR = 0.67, p = 0.037), while PTSD rates remained low (<3%, p > 0.05). Adjusted odds ratios confirmed COVID-19 as an independent predictor of depression (aOR = 2.18) and anxiety (aOR = 2.41). Females and individuals aged 40–59 years were at elevated risk. Conclusions 1. In the cohort of individuals who had contracted COVID-19, levels of depression after 12 months were 2.2 times higher, levels of anxiety were 2.5 times higher, and levels of insomnia were 0.67 times lower compared to the control group. 2. Post-traumatic stress disorder was observed in 3.1% of participants 14 days post-exposure, but was not detected after 12 months; this resolution is posited to be associated with the adaptive capacity of the population. 3. COVID-19 constitutes a long-term independent risk factor for the onset of depression and anxiety.

Emergency cesarean section risk factors of Robson 1, 2A, 3, 4A Introduction: Cesarean section rates in Mongolia exceed WHO recommendations of 5–15%, reaching 27.6% nationally and 34.1% at the First Maternity Hospital between 2019–2023. C-sections, while life-saving, increase risks of hemorrhage, infection, uterine complications, and reduced maternal quality of life. This study aimed to analyze emergency C-sections by Robson classification and identify associated risk factors in groups 1, 2a, 3, and 4a. Material and methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted using 886 medical records (443 emergency C-sections and 443 vaginal deliveries) from 2021–2023. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 24.0, and binary logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Robson 2a was the most frequent category (43.8%), followed by 4a (25.7%), 1 (20.1%), and 3 (10.4%). Significant risk factors for emergency C-section included maternal age (p<0.001), early cervical dilation (<5 cm) at labor diagnosis (OR 3.54), abnormal CTG, pre-eclampsia, PROM, amniotomy, infertility, and malposition. Multivariate analysis showed PROM (aOR 14.66), amniotomy (aOR 6.85), fetal weight ≥4000 g (aOR 4.07), and maternal age (aOR 1.48) as key predictors. Conclusions: Emergency C-sections were most common in Robson group 2a. Major contributing factors included PROM, amniotomy, maternal age, macrosomia, and abnormal labor patterns. Targeted interventions to manage these risk factors could reduce unnecessary emergency C-sections.

Introduction: Endometritis (EMM) is the most common maternal infectious complication of childbirth, occurring more commonly after low transverse cesarean section (LTCS) than vaginal delivery [1]. In a Cochrane review, the mean incidence of EMM following elective cesarean section was 7% and after non-elective or emergency operations was 30% [4]. A variety of independent risk factors for post-cesarean EMM have been identified in previous studies, including no prior cesarean section [5], low infant Apgar scores [6], trial of labor [7], premature rupture of membranes (PROM) >24 hours, young maternal age [8], preterm or post-term gestation [9], antepartum infections [10], pre-eclampsia, meconium [11], amnion infusion, postpartum anemia, multiple vaginal examinations [12], and manual removal of the placenta [13]. The time of ruptured membranes before delivery is examined via dichotomized time thresholds, the risks of chorioamnionitis and endomyometritis are significantly increased at 12 hours and 16 hours, respectively [16, 17]. A change in policy to administer prophylactic antibiotics before skin incision led to a significant decline in postcesarean delivery surgical-site infections [18, 19]. Objective: To determine independent risk factors for EMM following (LTCS). Material and Method: The study was case-control study, between 2022 to 2023 years at the “Urguu” specialized maternal hospital Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Case group has 101 women with EMM and the control group has 100 women with non EMM after LTCS. Results: The age of 2 study groups was 32.4 and 32.8, body mass index was 30 kg/m2 and 30.7 kg/ m2.Young maternal age <25 has a 22% (p=0.001, OR=4.5) influence on the occurrence of EMM. Other pregnancy related factors were not associated with the EMM after LTCS. (p>0.05). Delivery risk factors has increases the EMM by 15% (p=0.002), labor induction by 20% (p=0.001), duration of labor >12 hours by 40% (p=0.001), PROM increased by 15% (p=0.005), meconium by 15% (p=0.005), chorioamnionitis by 15% (p=0.001). Conclusion Our study, young maternal age <25 has influence on the occurrence of EMM. Other pregnancy related factors were not associated with the EMM after LTCS. Delivery associated risk factors are affected by the EMM after LTCS. The labor after LTCS, labor induction, PROM >12 hours, duration of labor, number of vaginal exams>4, meconium, chorioamnionitis increased by EMM. Young maternal age (<25) increased the risk of EMM attached with labor association risk factors.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: According to WHO report estimation, 76.3 million people have been diagnosed with disorder related to alcohol use which has been root cause for over 60 types of disease in the world.1 Smoking causes death to4 million people every year, 11 people every day and 6 every minute. This number is estimated to double reaching 10 million by 2030.2 The study conducted by the ‘World Vision Mongolia’ international organization and the Anti-alcoholism and Drug Association of the Ministry of Justice show 76% of all teenagers has drunk alcohol to some extent. AIMS: To determine alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive drug use by school teenagers of Sukhbaatar district in Ulaanbaatar MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: The survey on inquiry of alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive drug use (ASSIST) was conducted among a total of randomly selected 800 (374 boys, 426 girls) students of 8-12th grade from 7 secondary schools of Sukhbaatar district. Statistical data was put into Microsoft office applications (excel, word) and processed by SPSS application with 95% of probability of information and 5.0% of trust level. RESULT OF STUDY: Out of all respondents 32% (256) use tobacco, 43.8% (350)alcoholic drinks, 2.6% (21)cannabis,1.1% (9) cocaine, 1.5% (12) amphetamine, 3%(24)volatile substance, 4.3% (34)sedative and tranquilizer drug, 0.6% (5)hallucinogenic drug, 0.5% (4) opioid, and 0.1% (1) uses other types of drug. Among the survey participants, there are a total of 214 teenagers (in duplicated number) who need short-term action and 2 teenagers who are smoker and need intensive treatment. CONCLUSION: Among total teenagers, the survey participants, 1 in 3 used tobacco, 1 in 2 alcoholic drinks and 1 in 7 used psychoactive drug. Male students smoke twice more than female students and there is no difference in use of alcoholic drink in both sexes. The alcohol and tobacco use among teenagers at the age of 12-18 who participated in the survey showed that they use more when they grow older. 1 in 4 students of all participants belongs to a group with average risk and needs intensive treatment.

Objective: To compare the nature of pregnancy and deliveryin women with leiomyoma who were treated with uterine artery embolization to the outcomes in women who were treated with abdominal myomectomy. Material and Methods: A prospective, clinical study was conducted in 2010-2013 at “Urguu” Maternity Hospital, Ulaanbaatar. 94 women meeting the criteria were selected for the study. Post-treatment, the patients were reviewed for a period of two years. Uterine artery embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles (300-500 µm in diameter). Results: The percentage of conception in UAE group was 25.5% and 31.9% in myomectomy group (p=0.494); complication of pregnancy was 50.0% and 57.1% respectively (p=0.729); complication of delivery was 33.3% and 0.0% respectively (p=0.047). 88.9% and 90.0% (p=0.596) had Caesarean delivery. 16 (84.2%) women had uncomplicated and 3 (15.8%) women had complicated delivery due to placenta praevia, placenta acreta and uterine hypotonia. These cases all belonged to UAE group. Conclusion Pregnancy rates in women with leiomyoma who were treated by uterine artery embolization, compared with pregnancies after abdominal myomectomy, were similar.(p=0.494) In this study, there was the rate of Cesarean delivery above 80 percent in both group. There were no differences in newborn weights and Apgar scores.

Hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors which about 70% to 80% of the lesions are found in the head and neck region. This study was conducted on 36 children with hemangioma who were referred to Orofacial Surgery Cabinet of Dental School of Health Sciences University of Mongolia and Orofacial Surgery Cabinet of National Center for Maternal and Child Health of Mongolia between 2013 and 2015.Of the 36 children referred for assessment, 72% were female, 55% were infants of 4 to 9 months old, and 83% of them were citizens. 58% of patients underwent cryotherapy,and 57% of patients underwent cryotherapy had 2 therapy sessions. 25% of patients receiver sclerotic therapy, and 67% of them had 2 therapy sessions. According to the locations of hemangiomas 30% of them were localized in infraorbital area. 72% of the participants are women and 55% are children age of 4-9 month which 83% of all participants were living in city. 58% of children with hemangioma are treated with cryotherapy which 57%of treatment finished by second visit. And 25% were treated by dehydration treatment which 67% were finished by second visit.

Uterine leiomyomas are common (20-50%) in women of reproductive age. It is a benign tumor and it ranks second place among genital organ disorders in women.To date, abdominal laparotomy and laparoscopic surgical treatment (myomectomy and hysterectomy) are widely used to manage symptomatic leiomyomas.Although, hysterectomy is considered to be a radical method to manage uterine leiomyomas, women who have had hysterectomy are left totally infertile and they also are at risk to develop post-surgical and post-anesthetic complications. The advantage of myomectomy is to preserve women’s fertility and menstrual function but, the probability of recurrence of leiomyoma is 15-30% [1, 2]. Furthermore, depending on the location, size and number of fibroids, duration of surgery lingers, volume of blood loss is high and the risk to develop post surgical adhesions are high too.In recent, more than a decade period, effective and minimally invasive new, non-surgical methods to manage uterine leiomyomas have been introduced in many countries around the world. These methods have short recovery period and are advantageous to women to preserve their reproductive organ and fertility. They include: uterine artery embolization, uterine artery occlusion via transvaginal route and MRI– guided focused ultrasound surgery of uterine fibroids. Antiprogesterone-low-dose mifepristone for uterine leiomyomas are being introduced as well.In our country, managing leiomyomas surgically is still occupying high rate among surgical treatments. Further, to prevent and reduce complications of surgical treatment and to preserve organ, it is essential and imperative to introduce some of the above- mentioned contemporary non-surgical methods.