1.Association rules: Comorbid chronic diseases among the elderly
Uuganbayar O ; Purevdolgor L ; Ajnai L ; Javzmaa Ts ; Odgerel B ; Baasandorj Ch
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):248-252
Background:
The aging of the world’s population will determine global health trends. According to the 2021 report of the
Capital City Health Department, the average life expectancy of the Mongolian population is 71.3 years (male 67.3, female
76.7), the difference between male and female life expectancy is 9.4 years, and elderly people aged 60 and over account
for 8.1% of the total population. The report also shows that 6.5% of all outpatient visits are for people aged 60-64, and 9%
are for people aged 65 and over, which means that they do not receive adequate health care services. Therefore, it is important to increase the access to and quality of health care services provided to the elderly in order to improve their health
and quality of life. Comorbidities that are common among the elderly are one of the pressing issues in the health sector.
Aim:
We aimed to study the prevalence and risk factors of multi-morbidities among older adults (aged sixty years and
over) in urban and rural areas.
Materials and Methods:
To accomplish our aim, we conducted 156 lifestyle related questionnaires and 18 health related
questionnaires among 720 older people in Ulaanbaatar city and rural areas, and created the database. Pearson correlation
coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the quantitative influence of factors using single and multi-factor linear (β-coefficient) and binary logistic regression (odds ratio, CI 95%) methods, and p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Apriori algorithm in SPSS was used to determine the relationship between multiple
chronic diseases in the elderly people.
Results:
The prevalence of comorbidity was higher in urban areas (48.1%) and rural areas (51.9%), and ageing (urban
areas OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 0.9-6.2; rural areas OR: 6.35, 95% CI: 1.47-27.4, P<0.01) was a risk factor of multi-morbidities. Multimorbidity is defined as the presence of 2 or more chronic conditions, and 3, 4, and 5 chronic conditions were
co-occurred to older adults with chronic conditions, 28.7% (165). 11 common patterns of relationships in urban areas and
18 common patterns of relationships in rural areas (support (A→B)>3%, confidence (A→B)>30%, lift (A→B)>1) were
determined.
Conclusion
Multimorbidity was different in urban and rural areas, 11 common patterns in urban areas and 18 common
patterns in rural areas were determined. It has shown that the prevalence of multimorbidity was different in urban and
rural areas.
2.Prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in patients with hemophilia
Narangerel B ; Ankhbayar D ; Munkhuu A ; Burenbayar Ch ; Odgerel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):42-45
Background:
Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are among the most common forms of anemia
worldwide. Although the underlying causes of ID may vary depending on a country’s developmental level, lifestyle, and
other factors, blood loss remains the principal cause leading to ID and subsequent IDA. In hemophilia, recurrent bleeding
due to deficiencies of coagulation factors (FVIII, FIX, FXI) can lead to ID, which may progress to IDA and adversely
affect the quality of life in these patients. The absence of studies evaluating the prevalence of ID and IDA among hemophiliac
patients in Mongolia provided the impetus for this investigation.
Aim:
To assess the prevalence of ID and IDA among patients with hemophilia.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45 patients with hemophilia registered at the Hemophilia
Comprehensive Center (HCC), Mongolia-Japan Hospital, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences.
All participants underwent laboratory testing, including complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin levels—were
performed using the SYSMEX XN2000 and COBAS BM6010 analyzers. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 27.0
and MS Excel 2010.
Results:
Among the 45 cases, 41 were Hemophilia A and 4 were Hemophilia B. Reduced serum iron levels were found in
33.3% (15), and low ferritin levels were observed in 22.2%. Detailed blood tests revealed microcytic hypochromic changes
in 43.9% (18) of Hemophilia A cases and in 100% (4) of Hemophilia B cases. The overall prevalence of ID was 13.3%,
while the prevalence of IDA was 22.2%. Among the IDA cases, 90.0% were classified as mild and 10.0% as moderate.
Notably, 80.0% of the IDA cases occurred in children under 15 years of age.
Conclusion
ID and IDA are common among hemophiliac patients. The high prevalence among children under 15 years
of age suggests an age-related predisposition, emphasizing the need to improve disease management and to implement
preventive measures against anemia in this population.
3.Management and monitoring of hypokalemia occurring during certain diseases
Temuulen Ts ; Maral B ; Baasanjargal B ; Agidulam Z ; Burenbayar Ch ; Ankhbayar D ; Tsogdulam S ; Amardulguun S ; Otgon-Erdene M ; Anujin G ; Khongorzul U1 ; Delgermaa Sh ; Odgerel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):51-54
Background:
Hypokalemia is considered when the serum potassium level is less than 3.5 mmol/L. Clinical research indicates
that hypokalemia affects 20% of hospitalized patients, and in 24% of these cases, inadequate interventions result
in life-threatening complications. At present, there is no research available on the prevalence, management, and outcomes
of hypokalemia in hospitalized patients, which justifies the need for this study.
Aim:
The study aimed to examine the prevalence of hypokalemia and the effectiveness of its management in hospitalized
patients within the internal medicine department, in relation to the knowledge of doctors and resident physicians.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based retrospective study included a total of 553 cases of patients hospitalized in
the Internal Medicine Department of the Mongolia Japan Hospital between January 2024 and August 2024. Patients with
a potassium level of <3.5 mmol/L were diagnosed with hypokalemia, and the effectiveness of potassium replacement
therapy was evaluated according to the method of supplementation employed.
Results:
The prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department was 9.8%
(54 cases). Based on the study criteria, 42 cases of hypokalemia were selected for further analysis, and a total of 118 potassium
replacements were performed through oral, intravenous, and mixed methods. Following potassium replacement
therapy, 37.3% (44) of patients achieved normalized potassium levels, while 62.7% (74) still had persistent hypokalemia.
Conclusion
According to the study results, the prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal
Medicine Department is 9.8%. The method of potassium replacement and the severity of hypokalemia do not impact the
normalization of potassium levels, with the critical factor being the proper dosage of supplementation. The knowledge
of doctors and resident physicians regarding hypokalemia is insufficient, and there is a need to implement guidelines and
protocols for potassium replacement therapy in daily clinical practice.
4.The prevalence and severity of anemia among adults
Enkhmaa B ; Khulan P ; Oyunsuren E ; Odgerel TS ; Uranbaigali E
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):97-101
Background:
Anemia is still being a population’s challenging issue regardless of high development of countries around
the world. According to a study regarding prevalence and etiology of anemia conducted in 187 countries around the
world, the anemia rate is 23 176 per 100 000 population. In accordance with the “5th National Nutrition Survey” study
conducted in our country in 2017, one of every five women (21.4%), aged 15-49 years, 16.2% of reproductive age women
and 3.0% of men are anemic. The current study was conducted due to it is still essential to study and identify the etiology
of anemia, determine its prevalence, plan appropriate intervention, and organize future preventive measures, depending
on the socio-economic conditions, location, diet, and customs of the Mongolians.
Aim:
To identify anemia among the adult population, determine the type and severity of anemia.
Materials and Methods:
The cross sectional study was conducted during between May 2022 and Sep 2023 and adults
aged above 18 years were included. Moreover, we identified anemia cases based on the laboratory test results and determined
the anemia severity grade. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software.
Results:
Among the participants, 6.7% of them, 9.9% of females and 2.8% of males are anemic. Prevalence of mild,
moderate and severe anemia is 66.7%, 30% and 3.3%, respectively. While the prevalence of anemia among reproductive
age women is higher, the prevalence of anemia increases with age. The anemia prevalence in Ulaanbaatar region, Western
region, Khangai mountainous region, Central region and Eastern region is 583 (25.6%); 171 (7.5%); 343 (15.1%); 921
(40.4%); and 261 (11.4%), respectively. By regional location, the prevalence is high in the Central region, with varying
prevalence in other regions.
Conclusion
Anemia was detected in 6.7% of the total study population, 9.9% of females, and 2.8% of males were anemic.
Of those with anemia, 66.7% had mild anemia, 30% had moderate anemia, and 3.3% had severe anemia. Moderate
and severe anemia were more common in females than in males.
5.Assessment of Prebiotic Activity of Xylooligosaccharides Extracted from Food Industry By-Products via Microwave assisted enzymatic hydrolysis
Odgerel Ch ; Purevdulam E ; Anuujin G ; Buyankhuu T ; Munkhjargal B ; Battogtokh Ch ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):183-190
Background:
This study explores the potential of food industry by-products, such as plant peels, stems, and slags, as
valuable sources of lignocellulosic material (LCM), which contains 25-40% xylan. These underutilized resources, often
discarded as waste, hold the promise of sustainable applications in biotechnology. By safely extracting xylooligosaccharides
(XOS) from LCM biomass, the value of these materials can be significantly enhanced, contributing to green production
and supporting sustainable development. XOS, recognized for its prebiotic activity, has been shown to promote the
growth of beneficial gut bacteria, making it a vital research area in the fields of food science, medicine, and technology.
Aim:
To extract and characterize oligosaccharides derived from by-products of the food industry, evaluate their physicochemical
properties, and investigate selected biological activities.
Materials and Methods:
This study utilized microwave pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to isolate and purify
XOS from wheat bran and brewers’ spent grains (BSG), provided by Altan Taria LLC and APU CoL, respectively. Microwave
irradiation at 200°C for 5 minutes was employed as a pretreatment step, followed by hydrolysis using commercial
xylanase (Thermomyces lanuginosus, recombinant Aspergillus oryzae, 2500 BXU/g) at 55°C for 24 hours. The resulting
hydrolysate underwent filtration with activated carbon and ethanol precipitation to yield purified XOS. Analytical methods,
including FTIR spectroscopy, TLC and HPLC, were used for structural and compositional analysis of the purified
oligosaccharides. In vitro tests evaluated the ability of XOS to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including
Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus fermentum (ATCC 9338), and Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 344), using XOS-enriched
media. Additionally, in vivo studies were conducted on rats to determine the biological effects of XOS on gut microbiota.
Results:
The results demonstrated that prolonged enzymatic hydrolysis for more than 10 hours, using 0.25 g of xylanase
per 100 g of substrate, resulted in optimal yields. XOS purity was measured at 87.6% with an 8.1 g yield from wheat bran
and 89% purity with a 7.2 g yield from brewers’ spent grains. Structural analysis confirmed the presence of xylobiose,
xylotriose, and xylotetraose, with xylotetraose being the most abundant component in WBP-XOS (47.5%), and xylobiose
dominating BGS’s derived XOS (47.8%). Biological effects revealed that wheat bran-derived XOS significantly supported
the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and L. fermentum (ATCC 9338) in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas
no significant effect was observed on L. casei (ATCC 344). In vivo studies confirmed that XOS consumption increased
populations of Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia muciniphila spp. in gut microbiota (p<0.05). Furthermore, XOS
consumption reduced plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels while increasing HDL-C levels, demonstrating
metabolic benefits.
Conclusion
This research establishes that XOS with prebiotic activity can be efficiently extracted and purified from food
industry by-products using microwave-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis. This approach highlights the potential of utilizing
agricultural and industrial waste for producing functional prebiotics, contributing to sustainable practices and offering
valuable applications in health and nutrition.
6.The Correlation Between Prognostic Indicators of Chronic Liver Diseases and Certain Blood Test Parameters
Munkhtsetseg M ; Allabyergyen M ; Temuulen Ts ; Narangere .B ; Temuulen E ; Sumiyabazar A ; Bolormaa B ; Munkhuu A ; Dorjzodov D ; Munkhbat R ; Odgerel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):191-195
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer originating from liver cells, classified as a chronic
liver disease. This cancer ranks third in the world in terms of mortality rate. The MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver
Disease) and Child-Pugh scoring systems are utilized to assess the prognosis of chronic liver diseases. Based on studies
suggesting that certain blood test indicators, particularly red cell distribution width (RDW), could be used to predict the
prognosis of liver cancer and other cancers, as well as serve as diagnostic markers, this topic was chosen to evaluate the
clinical significance of RDW in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Aim:
The aim is to study some blood test indicators and compare them with the MELD score and Child-Pugh score systems
in order to determine the prognosis of chronic liver diseases.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective, single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at Mongolia-Japan Hospital.
Among 322 patients diagnosed with HCC, 24 patients were selected for the case group, and 37 patients with liver cirrhosis
were included in the control group.
Results:
According to the research criteria, 61 patients were selected and divided into 3 groups, and statistical analysis
was performed. In the detailed blood test, platelet count and WBC count showed statistically significant differences
among the 3 groups (p< 0.024). In the biochemical tests, C-reactive protein (CRP) was p< 0.018, total bilirubin p< 0.001,
and the mean albumin level p< 0.015, all showing statistically significant differences among the 3 groups. A statistically
significant inverse correlation was observed between RDW-CV and the clinical MELD score (r=-0.356).
Conclusion
Platelet count, RDW, CRP, total bilirubin, and average albumin levels are significantly different across the
studied groups. RDW-CV shows a moderate inverse correlation with MELD scores, suggesting its potential as a prognostic
marker in chronic liver diseases. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to confirm these findings.
7.Assessment of anemia prevalence:clinical severity, and red blood cell morphological types among adults
Enkhmaa B ; Khulan P ; Oyunsuren E ; Odgerel Ts ; Batchimeg N ; Gantulga D ; Uranbaigali E
Diagnosis 2025;115(4):28-35
Introduction:
Anemia is still being a population’s challenging issue regardless of high development of countries around the world. According to a study regarding prevalence and etiology of anemia conducted in 187 countries around the world, the anemia rate is 23 176 per 100 000 population. In accordance with the “5th National Nutrition Survey” study conducted in our country in 2017, one of every five women (21.4%), aged 15-49 years, (16.2%) of reproductive age women and (3.0%) of men are anemic. The current study was conducted due to it is still essential to study and identify the etiology of anemia, determine its prevalence, plan appropriate intervention, and organize future preventive measures, depending on the socio economic conditions, location, diet, and customs of the Mongolians.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence, red blood cell morphology, and severity of anemia among adults. Method: The cross sectional study was conducted during between May 2022 and Sep 2023 and adults aged above 18 years were included. Moreover, we identified anemia cases based on the laboratory test results and determined the anemia severity grade. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software.
Result:
Overall, (6.7%) of participants were anemic: (9.9%) of women and (2.8%) of men. The distribution by severity was: mild anemia (66.7%), moderate anemia (30%), and severe anemia (3.3%). Among women of reproductive age, prevalence was higher, whereas in men, anemia prevalence increased with age. Regionally, the Central region showed the highest prevalence, while other regions varied. Analysis of anemia by red blood cell morphology showed that normocytic anemia accounted for (51.6%), hypochromic anemia 66%, and mean hemoglobin concentration hypochromic (53.6%). Moderate and severe anemia was more common in women than men.
Conclusion
Anemia was detected in (6.7%) of the total study population, (9.9%) of females, and (2.8%) of males were anemic. Of those with anemia, (66.7%) had mild anemia, (30%) had moderate anemia, and (3.3%) had severe anemia. Moderate and severe anemia were more common in females than in males.
8.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.
9.The issue of people with disability: (Pharmaceutical care services)
Anujin S ; Adilbish L ; AItantsetseg A ; UIambayar B ; Odgerel P ; Zultsetsetseg N ; Nomingerel B
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023;23(2):47-52
Introduction:
16% of the world's 8 billion people, or more than 1.3 billion, are people with special needs or people with disabilities. Of these, there are unofficial studies that show that there are about 650 million people with disabilities in Asian countries. [1] One of the most common problems faced by people with special needs is that disability service organizations, especially pharmacies, do not have access to complete information on their necessary medications.
According to the 2019 data of the National Statistics Committee [4] in our country, 3.4 percent of the total population or 107.6 thousand are citizens with special needs. Article 1.1 of the Law "On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" [5] provides for the equal rights of persons with disabilities to participate in social relations, to ensure and implement them, to provide an accessible environment, to create conditions, housing, public buildings, roads, public transport, and information., communication technology is included as being accessible to people with disabilities. However, health and pharmacy services for people with special needs are very challenging.
The main basis of this research work is to make pharmacy services easier for people with special needs, especially people with speech, hearing, visual, mental, and motor disabilities, and to identify and solve problems.
Methods:
The research was carried out in a one-moment model. Based on the General Department of Development of People with Disabilities, data was collected by questionnaire using the minimum sample size calculation, which was calculated as 478 people per 1000 population. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS-23 software.
Our survey was conducted between November to December 1, 2022 using a snapshot model. Processing of results was carried out using survey data processing.
Conclusion
1. According to the 2019 data of the National Statistics Committee, 3.4 percent or 107.6 thousand of the total population of our country are citizens with special needs. This information has not been updated for 2021-2022.
Out of a total of 478 people in the survey, 54% were male, while 42.8% of the respondents were 20-30 years old. 48.8% of citizens use pharmacies independently, 42.4% with the help of a guardian, and 8.8% of other citizens use pharmacies. The lack of understanding of drug information on prescription forms affects the physician's prescription, drug information, visual and hearing impairments, and misunderstandings.
2. People with speech, hearing, visual, mental, and motor disabilities face the biggest problem in using the pharmacy. Therefore, it is a priority to make certain innovative changes in order to make pharmacy operation* equal to citizens. These include: Prescription forms can be read using technology such as Qr and AR on the phone, delivering medication instructions and information in audio form to people with visual and mental disabilities, providing more clear and understandable information to people with speech and hearing disabilities identifying medications for people with visual impairments, and using drugs correctly. We believe that suggestions and solutions are needed, such as placing names and instructions in braille on product labeling and packaging, implementing stairs and doors for people in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments in accordance with standards in all buildings, and providing seats for stairwells between floors. In most cases, it takes 10-20 minutes for people with disabilities to visit a pharmacy. Some citizens are experiencing delays in services for up to an hour. It can be seen that spending a lot of time to visit a pharmacy is difficult for citizens.
In order to solve this problem, under the supervision of a manager and a pharmacist, a post-graduate student of "Pharmacy" of the "University of Pharmaceutical Sciences" should be created to provide advice and information to citizens and reduce the burden.
10.Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Jidanga and Banzdo Plant Extracts from Traditional Medicinal Sources
Bayanmunkh A ; Dejidmaa D ; Oyuundelger G ; Irekhbayr J ; Odgerel O ; Boldbaatar J ; Batjargal B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;205(4):47-58
Background:
The global urgency for environmentally friendly technologies has steadily intensified, and as a result,
the synthesis of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial properties derived from medicinal plants
traditionally used to combat bacterial infections has garnered significant interest.
Goals:
This research endeavors to synthesize silver nanoparticles utilizing Jidanga and Banzdo plants,
widely recognized in traditional medicine, while elucidating their physical, chemical attributes, and
biological potential.
Methods:
The physicochemical characteristics of these silver nanoparticles, synthesized through
phytosynthesis, were meticulously examined via various analytical techniques. Ultraviolet and visible
light spectrophotometry (UV/Vis), Photon Cross Correlation Spectroscopy (PCCS), Atomic Force
Microscope (AFM), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Crystallography (XRD) were employed
for comprehensive analysis. Additionally, their antitumor efficacy was assessed via MTT assay utilizing
RAW264.7 cell cultures, while antibacterial properties were evaluated through agar diffusion tests
against selected bacterial strains.
Results:
Silver nanoparticles exhibited distinctive UV/Vis absorption peaks at 407-426 nm, affirming their
composition. PCCS measurements revealed nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameters spanning
from ~100 nm to ~450 nm, while AFM imaging showcased spherical nanoparticles ranging from ~35
nm to ~97 nm. Crystallography analysis identified both simple cubic and polycrystalline structures.
FTIR analysis unveiled the presence of organic compounds adsorbed onto the nanoparticle surfaces,
in addition to silver bonds. Notably, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Banzdo plants demonstrated
dose-dependent inhibition of RAW264.7 cell growth via the MTT assay. Furthermore, the silver
nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against a range of test bacteria with inhibition zones
spanning 1-4 mm.
Conclusion
This study successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles utilizing Jidanga and Banzdo
plants from traditional medicine, comprehensively characterizing their physicochemical attributes
and demonstrating their biological activity. These findings hold promise for the future utilization of
phytosynthetically derived silver nanoparticles.
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