1.A retrospective study on risk factors and pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension
Unurjargal Yadmaa ; Urantsetseg Khurelbaatar ; Ariunaa Zundui ; Batkhuyag Purevjav ; Oyunbileg Sharavdorj ; Lkhagvasuren Tsolmon ; Munkhdelger Baasan ; Tungalag Dagdanbazar ; Tserenchunt Ganbold ; Saingerel Mendgerel ; Maralmaa Lkhagvasuren ; Ider Sarantuya ; Munkhtulga Erdenetsetseg
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2026;28(1):94-98
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2023, arterial hypertension (HTN) remains
one of the leading causes of global morbidity, with an estimated 1.3 billion individuals diagnosed worldwide. Among them, 42% were receiving antihypertensive treatment, and only 21% achieved adequate blood pressure control. In the United States, 47.7% of the adult population is diagnosed with hypertension, with prevalence increasing significantly with age [1,2]. Multiple factors such as lifestyle, body mass index (BMI), age, sex, genetics, and physical inactivity are well-documented contributors to hypertension, as evidenced by both international and local studies. Specifically, individuals classified as obese demonstrate a higher prevalence of hypertension based on BMI categorization.
However, in Mongolia, limited studies have investigated the contributing factors and treatment outcomes of hypertension, highlighting the necessity of this study.
A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 50 inpatients diagnosed with arterial hypertension (ICD-10 codes I10–I15) who were admitted to Sindura-Med Hospital between 2023 and 2024.
1. In patients with stage 1 and 2 arterial hypertensions, age, mean systolic and diastolic blood plessure, heart rate and elevated cholesterol levels were found to be correlated with body mass index (BMI). Among smokers, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is projected to increase over the next 10 years
2. In the hypertensive group aged 60 years and older, echocardiographic examination revealed structural and functional abnormalities.
3. In the pharmacological management of arterial hypertension, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, combination preparations, and diuretics were the most commonly
prescribed medications.
2.Some bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility in ear, nose and throat infections: Darkhan-Uul Province (Using Darkhan-Uul Province as an example)
Maralmaa T ; Sarnai S ; Oigonchimeg B ; Altanzul A ; Khuslen I ; Itgel D ; Narantungalag D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):182-187
Background:
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) inflammatory diseases are common conditions that account for a high proportion of healthcare visits. These diseases negatively affect patient’s quality of life, reduce work and learning capacity, and increase healthcare costs. Antibiotics play a crucial role in treatment; however, inappropriate use contributes to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria. In Mongolia, particularly in Darkhan-Uul Province, data on bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in ENT infections are limited. Therefore, evaluating the local prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antimicrobial resistance is essential for guiding clinical practice and promoting rational antibiotic use.
Aim:
To assess the bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in inflammatory diseases of ear, nose and throat.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted at the School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacology and the “Bid” Hospital of Darkhan-Uul Province. Data from ear, nose, and throat swab examinations of patients suspected of having ENT infections in the outpatient department between January 2024 and February 2025 were extracted from the hospital’s centralized database (n=185). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, information from 145 patients was analyzed. The study was designed as a facility-based, retrospective, cross-sectional observational study and was carried out using SPSS - 26.0.
Result:
A total of 145 patients aged 1-73 years were included in the study, of whom 48.2% (n=70) were male and 51.7% (n=75) were female. Overall, 145 clinical specimens were collected, including nasal swabs 36 (24.8%), throat swabs 56 (38.6%), and ear swabs 53 (36.6%). Bacteriological examination revealed pathogenic microorganisms in 80.7% (n=117) of the specimens. S.aureus was isolated from 65.5% of nasal swabs, 53.6% of throat swabs, and 67.4% of ear swabs. Among S. aureus isolates from ear swabs, 27.6% (n=8) were identified as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that S. aureus isolates from nasal swabs were resistant to amoxicillin (100%), ampicillin (90.0%), erythromycin (87.5%), and azithromycin (81.8%), while they were susceptible to cefazolin (72.7%), doxycycline (80.0%), and vancomycin (75.0%). S. aureus isolates from throat swabs demonstrated resistance to amoxicillin (100%), ampicillin (100%), chloramphenicol (87.5%), and azithromycin (75.0%), but were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (69.2%) and vancomycin (66.7%). S. aureus isolates from ear swabs were resistant to gentamicin (77.8%), clarithromycin (71.4%), azithromycin (66.7%), and penicillin G (66.7%), while higher susceptibility was observed to nitrofurantoin (87.5%), vancomycin (68.8%), and ciprofloxacin (64.7%). For Streptococcus spp, resistance was observed to erythromycin (84.6%), amoxicillin (76.9%), and chloramphenicol (71.4%), whereas susceptibility was noted to amoxiclav (54.6%), cefazolin (63.2%), and cefotaxime (50.0%).
Conclusion
1. Staphylococcus aureus predominated in samples from ear, nose, and throat infections, confirming it as the main causative bacterium of these conditions.
2. The predominantly isolated Staphylococcus aureus showed high resistance to antibiotics from the penicillin, macrolide, and aminoglycoside groups.
3.Assessing the relationship between pregabalin’s analgesic effect on neuropathic pain and patient’s quality of life and sleep quality
Oigonchimeg B ; Maralmaa T ; Sarnai S ; Enkhtsetseg E ; Narantungalag D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):78-81
Background:
Pregabalin significantly reduces pain intensity and improves sleep quality and health-related quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain. Since it remains uncertain whether the improvements in sleep quality and quality of life associated with Pregabalin are related to its analgesic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether these clinical outcomes are correlated.
Aim:
Assessing the Correlation Between patient’s analgesia and sleep quality, health-related quality of life outcomes after pregabalin treatment
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the Geriatric Hospital of Bayangol District from February, 2026. Patients diagnosed seventy eight with neuropathic pain of any origin who attended the neurology outpatient clinic during the study period were enrolled. Pain intensity, sleep quality, and HRQoL outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at week 8 by means of an 11-point (0-10) numerical rating scale (NRS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L score, respectively. The study was designed as an uncontrolled observational analytic study, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0.
Result:
The mean age of the study participants was 59.5±15.7 years (n=78). Of the participants, 53.8% (n=42) were female and 46.2% (n=36) male. The relationships among pain intensity, sleep quality, and health related quality of life were evaluated using correlation analysis. A strong positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between sleep quality and quality of life (p<0.05), whereas no statistically significant associations were identified among the other variables.
Conclusion
It was observed that in patients with neuropathic pain, pregabalin reduced pain intensity and that a one-unit improvement in sleep quality was associated with a 0.7-unit increase in quality of life.
4.Comparative study of outdoor and indoor air pollution in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan cities
Davaalkham D ; ; Ulziikhutag B ; Batzorig B ; ; Ser-Od Kh ; ; Nyamsuren B ; ; Yerkebulan M ; ; Enkhjargal G ; ; Shatar Sh ; ; Myagmarchuluun S ; ; Gantuya D ; ; Ulziimaa D ; ; Buyantushig B ; ; Jargalsaikhan G ; ; Anujin M ; Maralmaa E ; Khurelbaatar N ; ; Damdindorj B ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):107-113
Background:
Ambient and household air pollution remain leading risk factors for global morbidity and mortality. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as lung cancer, metabolic and neurological disorders, and immune dysfunction. In urban areas of Mongolia, air pollution reaches critical levels during the winter season. Although improved solid fuels have been introduced in recent years, their impact on both outdoor and indoor air quality remains insufficiently characterized.
Aim:
To compare outdoor and household air pollution levels in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan cities.
Materials and Methods:
Outdoor air pollution data for Ulaanbaatar were obtained from fixed monitoring stations of the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring for the period 2014–2026, with seasonal comparisons performed. For indoor air quality assessment, a longitudinal study was conducted among 240 households (apartments, houses, and traditional gers) in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan from 2023 to 2026. PM₂.₅ concentrations were measured using real-time sensors (PurpleAir sensor), deployed for 14–21 days per season (winter and summer) in each household, recording data at 10-minute intervals over 24-hour periods.
Result:
Between 2014 and 2026, the 24-hour mean concentrations in Ulaanbaatar were 60.5 µg/m for PM₂.₅, 117.3 µg/m for PM₁₀, 37.3 µg/m for NO₂, 41.8 µg/m for SO₂, and 27.5 µg/m for O₃. While particulate matter levels showed a decreasing trend following the introduction of improved fuels, SO₂ concentrations increased, and overall pollution levels remained higher than those observed in Darkhan. Indoor PM₂.₅ concentrations were higher in Ulaanbaatar compared to Darkhan (60.7±86.1 vs 48.4±96.7 µg/m). Significant differences were observed by housing type (p<0.0001), with higher concentrations in households using solid fuels (houses and gers) and lower levels in apartments. These findings indicate substantial variability in indoor air pollution by city, housing type, and season, with persistently elevated exposure levels.
Conclusion
Outdoor air pollutant concentrations in Ulaanbaatar, including particulate matter, NO₂, and SO₂, exceed national standards and WHO guideline values by 1–4 times. Indoor PM₂.₅ pollution is higher in Ulaanbaatar than in Darkhan and varies significantly by housing type and season, indicating a high and heterogeneous exposure burden among urban populations.
5.Study on microcapsule preparation technology
Baatarbolat J ; Buyankhishig E ; Ichinkhorloo D ; Odonchimeg M ; Purevdolgor B ; Maralmaa Ts ; Shinezaya D ; Jambaninj D ; Davaadagva D ; Otgonsuren D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):203-210
Background:
Maintaining the concentration of a drug in the blood at a therapeutic level is crucial for enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing adverse effects. Conventional dosage forms are rapidly absorbed, causing a quick rise in the drug concentration in the blood, but it soon declines. As a result, frequent dosing is required in chronic or acute conditions. This can lead to drug concentrations exceeding therapeutic levels, increasing toxicity, or failing to reach the required level. To address these limitations, drug delivery systems (DDS) have been intensively developed over the past few decades. Among these systems, microencapsulation technology enables targeted delivery of the drug within the body, maintains stability, controls release, improves bioavailability, reduces side effects, and protects the active pharmaceutical ingredient from degradation or elimination, delivering it specifically to the necessary tissues. These characteristics provided the rationale for conducting this study.
Aim:
Select a suitable polymer for microcapsule formation, develop a production technology using the emulsion solvent evaporation method, and evaluate certain morphological characteristics of the resulting microcapsules.
Materials and Methods:
The microcapsules were prepared using an O/W emulsion solvent evaporation method. Dichloromethane (DCM) was used as the solvent, and the wall materials were solutions of chitosan (2% w/v) and gelatin (5% w/v), which are polymers combining biodegradability and biocompatibility. These solutions were mixed in a total of eight different ratios and emulsified into an aqueous phase containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 1% w/v) using a high-speed homogenizer at 8000–10000 rpm to form the emulsion, followed by solvent evaporation. The resulting microcapsules were freeze-dried to obtain dry microcapsule forms. The morphology and surface structure of the microcapsules were characterized using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while their size and distribution were analyzed using the ImageJ software.
Result:
To determine the optimal wall material for the microcapsules, a total of eight formulation ratios were prepared, and the emulsion stability and viscosity were evaluated. Chitosan-dominant formulations (F1, F7, F8) exhibited excessively high viscosity and a tendency for the system to thicken, which reduced the uniformity and stability of the emulsion. In contrast, formulations with low or imbalanced gelatin content (F2, F3) failed to achieve complete emulsion stabilization and showed significant phase separation. The F5 formulation demonstrated the best stability, minimal phase separation, and appropriate viscosity, making it the optimal choice for microcapsule wall preparation. The chitosan-to-gelatin ratio of 1:2 (F5 formulation) was found to be the most suitable in terms of complete microcapsule formation, spherical shape, uniform surface, and proper viscosity. Microcapsules of the F5 formulation had an average diameter of 290±30 µm, were spherical, and maintained shape stability even after freeze-drying. A microcapsule preparation technology based on the emulsion method was developed experimentally, and the most suitable conditions were established.
Conclusion
1. The results of the study indicated that a chitosan-to-gelatin ratio of 1:2 was the most suitable formulation for microcapsules in terms of complete formation, spherical shape, and uniform surface characteristics.
2. When the gelatin content increased, microcapsule morphology deteriorated and aggregation tendencies were observed, whereas higher chitosan content increased the viscosity of the solution, which affected the stability of the emulsion and resulted in non-uniform microcapsule sizes.
3. The 1:2 chitosan-gelatin ratio is therefore crucial for microcapsule preparation, and this wall composition can be applied in further studies involving drug-loaded microcapsules.
6.Results of the antibacterial activity study of honey
Nurimbyek Kh ; Akhyerkye Kh ; Budjav Ch ; Oyunbaatar A ; Zolbayar B ; Baatarbolat J ; Maralmaa Ts ; Shinezaya D ; Jambaninj D ; Otgonsuren D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):94-102
Background:
Honey is a natural biologically active substance with antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue regeneration–promoting properties, and it has traditionally been used in wound treatment for centuries. Numerous studies have confirmed that the phenolic compounds, enzymes, hydrogen peroxide, and amino acids contained in honey inhibit bacterial growth and accelerate wound healing. Wound infections are commonly caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli which are major factors that delay wound healing and lead to complications. However, the direct application of honey to wounds presents challenges such as adhesiveness, absorption, dose stability, and sterility. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate honey into a suitable pharmaceutical dosage form to facilitate its use and introduce natural raw materials into therapeutic practice. Thus, incorporating honey as the main active ingredient into a hydrogel dressing could enable the development of a novel therapeutic wound dressing that is physically and chemically stable and capable of maintaining an optimal moist wound environment, which is essential for wound healing. Honey-containing hydrogel dressings differ from other dressings in their ability to balance the wound environment, absorb and retain moisture, provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and support tissue regeneration. The significance of this study lies not only in investigating the antibacterial activity of honey but also in determining the bacterial killing time, thereby providing useful data for future studies.
Aim:
To investigate the antibacterial activity of honey and determine its bacterial killing time.
Materials and Methods:
Domestic honey samples were compared with imported honey samples in terms of antibacterial activity and bacterial killing time. Domestic honey samples were coded as D1, D2, D3, C1, and C2, while the imported honey sample was coded as M. A total of six honey samples were evaluated. Using the broth microdilution method, the antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains commonly associated with burn wound infections Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 28583, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 1706, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25218 was determined and compared. Subsequently, bacterial killing time was evaluated using the broth dilution method with honey concentrations prepared at ratios of 7:3 (70%), 5:5 (50%), and 4:6 (40%).
Results:
The antibacterial activities of D1, D2, D3, C1, C2, and M honey samples against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli were determined. Among them, D3, C2, and M honey samples showed stronger antibacterial activity. Therefore, these three honey samples were further investigated by determining bacterial killing time over an 18-hour period. For D3 honey diluted at a 7:3 ratio, the killing time was 15 hours for S. aureus and 7 hours for P. aeruginosa, while the killing times for K. pneumoniae and E. coli exceeded 18 hours. D3 honey diluted at a 5:5 ratio showed bacterial killing times exceeding 18 hours for all tested bacteria. For C2 honey diluted at a 7:3 ratio, the killing times were 16 hours for S. aureus, 12 hours for P. aeruginosa, 16 hours for K. pneumoniae, and 17 hours for E. coli. C2 honey diluted at a 5:5 ratio killed E. coli in 18 hours, whereas the killing times for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae exceeded 18 hours. For M honey diluted at a 7:3 ratio, the killing times were 8 hours for S. aureus, 7 hours for P. aeruginosa, 9 hours for K. pneumoniae, and 8 hours for E. coli. M honey diluted at a 5:5 ratio killed S. aureus in 9 hours, P. aeruginosa in 10 hours, K. pneumoniae in 10 hours, and E. coli in 9 hours.
Conclusions
1. The antibacterial activity of honey against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli varied depending on honey concentration, with honey concentrations of 40–45% demonstrating the highest antibacterial activity. Furthermore, M honey exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity compared to the other honey samples. 2. In determining bacterial killing time, the domestic honey samples killed bacteria within 9 hours, whereas the imported honey sample killed bacteria within 7 hours.
7.Indoor air radon concentration in ger district households of 15th khoroo, Chingeltei district, Ulaanbaatar city
Maralmaa Ö ; ; Nyamsuren L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2026;216(2):33-40
Background:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the decay of uranium found in
rocks and soil. It is released into the air and can accumulate in enclosed spaces, entering the
human body through the respiratory system [1]. Most households in ger districts live in small
dwellings with earthen foundations, poor ventilation, and tightly sealed structures designed
to retain heat, creating conditions for elevated indoor radon levels [2]. This gas is colorless,
odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect, and it tends to accumulate indoors,
especially in poorly ventilated spaces. High indoor radon levels can damage lung tissue
and alter DNA structure, thereby increasing the risk of cancer development [3]. According
to the World Health Organization, radon is responsible for approximately 3–14% of lung
cancer cases worldwide and is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer after
smoking [4]. The permissible indoor radon concentration has been established at 200 Bq/m³
for existing buildings and 100 Bq/m³ for newly constructed buildings [5].
The World Health Organization has warned that the combined effects of outdoor and
household air pollution contribute to approximately 6.7 million premature deaths annually [6].
In Mongolia, studies in this field remain limited, which served as the basis for conducting the
present research.
Objective:
To assess indoor radon concentration and selected microclimate indicators in households of
Khoroo 15, Chingeltei District, and compare them with hygienic standards.
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. From a total of 2,125 households in the
ger district of Khoroo 15, Chingeltei District, a sample size of 71 households was determined
using the OpenEpi statistical program. Indoor radon concentration was measured in each
household for 48 hours using a “Wave Radon” electronic device. Data were entered into
Word and MS Excel, then analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics (mean,
frequency, minimum, maximum, standard deviation) were calculated, and differences
between variables were assessed using the chi-square test.
Results:
The average indoor radon concentration was 173.2 Bq/m³, with a maximum of 596 Bq/m³
and a minimum of 26 Bq/m³. A total of 31% (22 households) exceeded the hygienic standard (>200 Bq/m³). Radon concentration was higher in houses (246.05 Bq/m³; min=48, max=596)
compared to gers (94 Bq/m³; min=26, max=325). Indoor radon concentration showed a
moderate inverse correlation with outdoor temperature (p=0.003, r=-0.346) and a moderate
positive correlation with indoor humidity (p=0.001, r=0.513).
The average age of houses was 23 years (range: 1–48 years), and radon concentration was
not associated with building age (r=0.035, p=0.838). When categorized by building material,
the highest mean radon concentration was found in brick houses (307 Bq/m³), followed by
concrete houses (271.4 Bq/m³) and wooden houses (206.6 Bq/m³), while the lowest was in
traditional gers (93.8 Bq/m³). However, these differences were not statistically significant
(p=0.208).
Conclusion
1. The study on radon concentration in household indoor air revealed that, among households
living in houses and apartments, some cases exceeded the hygienic standard limits. The
research results indicate that the indoor radon concentration in ger district households is
associated with ambient temperature and indoor humidity levels.
2. It was also determined that radon concentration varies depending on factors such as
housing structure, building materials, and stove type. Among the types of dwellings
included in the study, brick and concrete buildings showed relatively higher radon
concentrations, whereas traditional Mongolian gers had the lowest levels
8.Technological study on the preparation of vitamin E loaded liposomal gel
Khaliun J ; Buyankhishig D ; Otgonsuren D ; Shinezaya D ; Baatarbolat J ; Maralmaa Ts ; Jambaninj D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):161-165
Background:
Vitamin E is an oil-soluble compound with antioxidant properties
against free radicals. It has been used in cosmetic practice since long
time ago. However, it is unstable to light and heat, and even when formulated
into pharmaceuticals, it has poor skin penetration, which can reduce the effectiveness
of the treatment. Therefore, by encapsulating Vitamin E in liposomes
and forming a gel, it is possible to produce a highly therapeutically effective
drug form that supports skin homeostasis and provides moisturizing benefits.
To this reason, it is necessary to determine the appropriate methods and conditions
for encapsulation in liposomes, which is the basis for conducting this
study.
Aim:
The goal of the research is to develop a technology for preparing vitamin
E-loaded liposomes and incorporating them into a gel formulation.
Materials and Methods:
Liposomes were formed using thin film hydration,
ethanol injection, and heating methods, each with 5 different concentrations,
and liposome formation was determined spectrophotometrically for each sample.
The size of the formed liposomes was determined using a Nanophox instrument.
Six gel models were prepared and compared for quality parameters.
Results:
The highest yield was obtained when 75 mg of phospholipids were
used in the thin film hydration method, which is 82.3%; the highest yield was
obtained when 50 mg of phospholipids were used in the ethanol injection
method, which is 86.75%; and the highest yield was obtained when 50 mg of
phospholipids were used in the heating method, which is 58.8%. The average
size of liposomes prepared by ethanol injection and dissolved in distilled water
was 106 nm. The gel bases were prepared using models F1-F6, and the pH
values of models F4 and F5 were suitable.
Conclusions
1. Among the three methods for liposome formation, the ethanol injection
method had the highest yield.
2. The ethanol injection method had the highest encapsulation when prepared
with a phospholipid:vitamin E ratio of (1:10).
3. For gel base model F5 was suitable which is carbomer 1.0%, preservative
propylparaben 0.02%, pH adjuster sodium hydroxide, and permeability
enhancer propylene glycol 10%.
9.Indoor Particulate Matter Concentration in Households of Darkhan City
Nyamdorj J ; Bolor M ; Maralmaa E ; Yerkyebulan M ; Ser-Od Kh ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Shatar Sh ; Gantuya D ; Gregory C. Gray ; Junfeng Zhang ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):25-29
Background:
A 2018 study on the global burden of disease, accidents, and risk factors reported that 1.6 million peo
ple died in 2017 due to household air pollution. Poor indoor air quality has been highlighted as a contributing factor to
respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and exacerbation of asthma and allergies. A 2019 study estimated that
long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less reduces average life
expectancy by 1.8 years, with more severe effects in highly polluted regions. Additionally, a study by Miller et al. (2007)
found that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among women. Direct
measurement devices are highly effective in determining indoor PM2.5 concentrations, identifying sources of pollution,
tracking pollutant dispersion, and monitoring temporal variations. Studies suggest that direct measurement is an accurate,
cost-effective method that provides detailed data suitable for local conditions.
Aim:
To investigate the indoor air quality of houses and apartments in Darkhan city during the winter season using the
Purple Air monitoring device.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with a targeted sample of 128 households in Darkhan
city. The study examined factors such as stove type, type of coal used, annual and daily coal consumption, frequency of
heating, and chimney sealing conditions. To collect data, the Purple Air monitoring device was installed in each house
hold for a month, after which it was retrieved. During retrieval, participants completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire
consisted of 55 questions across 7 pages at the time of device installation and 25 questions across 3 pages at the time of
device retrieval. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0.
Results:
A total of 128 households in Darkhan city participated in the study. The average duration of residence in the
current home was 9.5 years, with no statistically significant variation. The distribution of housing types was as follows:
traditional Mongolian gers (40.6%), houses (39.1%), and apartments (20.3%). The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration
was highest in gers (70.9 μg/m³), followed by houses (46.8 μg/m³) and apartments (22.8 μg/m³), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). PM2.5 levels were most variable in gers, followed by houses and then apartments. House
holds using central heating (apartments) had an average 24-hour PM2.5 concentration of 22.8 μg/m³, whereas households
using stoves (gers and houses) had a significantly higher concentration of 59.4 μg/m³ (p=0.0001). However, there was
no statistically significant difference between traditional and improved stoves. Among study participants, 21.4% reported
that someone in their household smoked indoors. Additionally, 86.5% regularly burned incense, candles, or herbs, while
99.2% did not use an air purifier.
Conclusion
The indoor particulate matter concentration in houses and gers in Darkhan was 59.4μг/m3. Variations in
stove types, poor chimney sealing limited space, and frequent gaps and cracks contribute to increased spread of indoor
air pollutants.
10.Comparative Analysis of Outdoor Particulate Matter Concentrations in Ulaanbaatar Using Direct Measurements and Fixed Monitoring Station Data
Maralmaa E ; ; Yerkyebulan M ; Ser-Od Kh ; Shatar Sh ; Gantuya D ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Enkhjargal G ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Gregory Gray ; Junfeng Zhang ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Davaalkham D ; ; Darambazar G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;89(5):105-111
Background:
Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) penetrates
deep into the alveoli through the respiratory tract and is characterized by its ability to induce oxidative stress, systemic
inflammation, and vascular inflammation. Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest levels of air pollution. In
Ulaanbaatar, where more than half of the country’s population resides, wintertime PM2.5 concentrations often exceed 200
μg/m³, which is about eight times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. A study involving
1,200 adults in Ulaanbaatar showed that quality of life deteriorated sharply during periods of high air pollution, with
effects more pronounced among individuals who already had impaired respiratory function.
Aim:
To examine the relationship between indoor household PM2.5 concentrations and lung function indicators among
adults in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study recruited adult participants from Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan
through targeted sampling. Household air quality was measured using PurpleAir sensors, which were installed in
participants’ homes for one month. After exposure measurement, lung function was assessed via spirometry. Statistical
analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0.
Results:
A total of 236 participants were included: 114 (48.3%) from Ulaanbaatar and 122 (51.7%) from Darkhan. The
sample consisted of 111 men (47.0%) and 125 women (53.0%). The mean indoor PM2.5 concentration was 66.24 μg/m³
(SD 44.87 μg/m³), ranging from a minimum of 7.79 μg/m³ to a maximum of 264.55 μg/m³. Stratification by housing type
showed the highest PM2.5 levels in gers (82.34 μg/m³), followed by detached houses (67.34 μg/m³), while apartments
had the lowest concentrations (32.24 μg/m³). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative associations
between PM2.5 levels and measures of expiratory function, including the FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF),
and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75). Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) was observed in 9.4% of participants, reduced
forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in 15.3%, and a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio in 3.8%.
Conclusion
Indoor household PM2.5 concentrations were highest in gers, and expiratory flow-related lung function
parameters showed significant negative associations with particulate exposure. This suggests that indoor PM2.5 primarily
affects airflow limitation rather than overall lung volumes in this population.
Result Analysis
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