Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and significant clinical burden. In Mongolia, research on AD has increased over the past decade; however, findings remain fragmented across various areas. Aim: To synthesize evidence from studies conducted in Mongolia over the last 10 years regarding the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of atopic dermatitis. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted, including original studies on Mongolian populations published within the last decade. Studies addressing skin barrier function, immunological mechanisms, genetic factors, environmental exposures, clinical severity, diagnostic tools, and treatment approaches were included. Results: The study findings show that genetic studies identified polymorphisms in the filaggrin gene and, more recently, mutations in the GCDH gene, suggesting these are linked to AD severity and allergen sensitization. Research on the immunopathogenesis of AD revealed that Th2-type cytokines, especially IL-3 and IL-4, are associated with pruritus and disease severity. Additionally, decreased skin hydration and increased transepidermal water loss in individuals with AD were linked to greater disease severity. Disease severity was evaluated using the SCORAD, EASI, and POEM tools, with most studies reporting that mild-to-moderate AD was most common. Clinically, symptoms like pruritus and sleep disturbances were evident. Additionally, clinical severity was associated with laboratory markers, particularly total IgE levels. The high rate of sensitization to inhalant and food allergens suggests that extrinsic atopic dermatitis (AD) may be common in the Mongolian population. In treatment studies using locally relevant natural products in Mongolia, such as seabuckthorn oil and Shargaljuut mineral spring spray, these products were associated with clinical improvement, suggesting they could serve as additional therapeutic options. Conclusion Research on atopic dermatitis in Mongolia has progressed in several areas; however, the current evidence remains limited and is mostly based on cross-sectional, small-sample, single-center, hospital-based studies. Therefore, there is a need for future comprehensive studies that are multicenter, long-term, and involve larger populations.

Background: In recent years, stroke has remained one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Globally, the incidence among adults ranges from 134.9 to 336.3 cases per 100,000 population annually, with mortality rates between 36.7 and 136.7 per 100,000. In Mongolian traditional medicine, stroke prevention is not only related to diet and lifestyle but also depends on an individual’s unique bodily constitution, age, strength, and life habits. Since people differ physiologically, the diseases arising from the four causative conditions manifest differently. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the relationship between an individual’s constitutional type and stroke risk factors, aiming to contribute to stroke prevention. Aim: To study the relationship between individual constitutional types in Mongolian traditional medicine and stroke risk factors, specifically hypertension and dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,086 participants were included from the Departments of Cardiology, Neurology, and Ultrasonography of the affiliated hospital of the Inner Mongolia National University. Data were collected through questionnaires, assessment of constitutional type, blood pressure measurement, and blood lipid analysis. Statistical processing was performed using SPSS 18.0 software. Chi-square (χ²), ANOVA tests, multivariate logistic regression, and correspondence analysis were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among the participants, those with the “Khurmal” (Hormal) and “Badgan-Khi” (Phlegm-Wind) constitutions accounted for the highest proportions (34.3% and 26.7%, respectively), showing a statistically significant association with stroke risk factors (p<0.05). In terms of the relationship between constitution and blood pressure, individuals with the Badgan-Khi type had a higher risk, and a statistically significant association was found between blood pressure, risk classification, and the Badgan-Khi and Khormal types (p<0.05). Regarding constitution and blood lipid levels, the proportions in the stroke population were: indeterminate lipid ratio (58.3%), dyslipidemia (33.3%), and normal blood lipids (8.3%). A statistically significant relationship was observed between blood lipid levels, risk classification, and the Khi-Shar and Badgan-Khi constitutions (p<0.05). Conclusion Stroke risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are associated with an individual’s body constitutional type. The study confirmed that individuals with a Khi-dominant constitution tend to have higher sympathetic nervous system activity, blood pressure, and vascular reactivity, providing a biological basis for increased stroke risk. For Badgan-dominant individuals, metabolic disturbances and lipid accumulation were identified as contributors to elevated stroke risk.

Background: The continuous annual increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) poses significant challenges not only within our nation but also globally in the control and management of tuberculosis. Aim: This study aimed to determine the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) residing in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar and to investigate associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants aged 18 years and older diagnosed with T2DM and receiving care at endocrinology clinics in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar were selected using systematic random sampling. Presumptive TB cases were identified through a structured questionnaire and chest X-ray. Sputum specimens were collected and subjected to smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculosis detection. Cases confirmed by laboratory diagnosis, currently undergoing tuberculosis treatment and previously treated cases as per questionnaire data were classified as tuberculosis cases, and prevalence was calculated. Results: A total of 1,644 individuals with T2DM were enrolled in the study, of whom 836 (50.9%) were female, with a mean age of 58 years (range 19–89). The overall prevalence of presumptive TB cases was 10.5% (n=172; 95% CI, 9.0–12.0). Among 112 suspected cases from whom sputum samples were obtained, 10 (8.9%; 95% CI, 4.9–15.7) were laboratory-confirmed for M.tuberculosis. Notably, 7.2% (6 cases; 95% CI, 3.4–14.9) of asymptomatic individuals with abnormal X-ray findings were diagnosed with tuberculosis. According to questionnaire responses, 9 participants (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.3–1.0) were undergoing tuberculosis treatment, and 53 (3.2%; 95% CI, 2.5–4.2) reported a previously treated TB cases. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5). Stratification by age and sex revealed a significantly higher prevalence among males (5.9%; n=48; 95% CI, 4.5–7.8) compared to females (2.9%; 95% CI, 1.2–4.2) (p=0.002), indicating a twofold increased risk of tuberculosis in males. Although no statistically significant differences in tuberculosis prevalence were observed across age groups (p>0.05), a declining trend in prevalence with older age was noted. Conclusion The prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5), with a significantly higher rate in males (p=0.002) and a decreasing trend with increasing age. Among asymptomatic individuals exhibiting radiographic abnormalities, 7.2% were confirmed to have tuberculosis via laboratory testing

Background: Obesity and metabolic disorders are significant contributors to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). While body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are known to be associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), the interplay between adiposity, glucose levels, triglycerides, and SBP is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the relationships between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP in a large population-based cohort. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on [insert total number] participants with complete data on BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, mediation analysis, and multiple regression were used to explore the associations between variables. The moderation effect of glucose on the BMI-SBP relationship was examined using an interaction term in the regression model. Results: The mean age of the study population was 44.3 ± 15.2 years. The mean BMI was 26.7 ± 4.9 kg/m², and 22.7% of participants were classified as obese. Central obesity, measured by waist circumference, was prevalent in 55.9% of the population. BMI, waist circumference, glucose, and triglycerides were significantly associated with SBP (p < 0.0001). Mediation analysis showed that waist circumference partially mediated the effect of BMI on SBP. The interaction term for BMI and glucose was significant (β = 0.32, p < 0.05), indicating that glucose levels moderated the relationship between BMI and SBP, with higher glucose levels amplifying the hypertensive effect of BMI. Conclusion This study highlights the complex interplay between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP. Waist circumference partially mediates the effect of BMI on SBP, and glucose levels moderate this relationship, amplifying the impact of obesity on blood pressure.

Introduction: Among the endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disease and thyroid disorders occupy a significant place. According to the World Health Organization, 8-18% of the world’s population suffer from thyroid disorders. In our country, no research on the prevalence of the disorders has been conducted before, and this research methodology was discussed by the Scientific committee of the National Center for Public Health and was approved by resolution No.156 of the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health on 2020. Materials and Methods: In order to determine the prevalence of thyroid disease in the country, we collected the actual number of thyroid disorders registered in 9 districts of the capital city and 330 soums of 21 aimags for a total of 10 years from 2011 to 2020. The prevalence of thyroid disorders was mapped using Arc view and GIS software. Results Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disease account for 2.3% of all outpatient cases. Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disease accounted for an average of 168.3 per 10000 population over the past 10 years, and thyroid disorders accounted for 45 or 26.7% of endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases. Thyroid disorders are highest in people aged 40-49 years.
Thyroid toxicity is the most common type of thyroid disease in Mongolia, accounting for 56.2%, with an average of 17.2 per 10000 population in 2011-2020. However, iodine deficiency-related thyroid disease accounts for 5.5% of all thyroid disorders, with an average of 2.5 per 10000 population in 2011-2020. In 2011, it decreased by 2.2 per 10000 population, and by 2020, it decreased by 0.2 per thousand to 2.0, but in the last 5 years, it has increased by an average of 2.4 per 10,000 population, and in the last 5 years it has increased by 0.2 per thousand, or 2.6 per 10,000 population. Morbidity is high in the Khangai and Central regions.

Rationale: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by carbon-containing substances, most commonly incomplete fuel and biomass combustion. Carbon monoxide deprives the human body of oxygen, leads to severe poisoning and death. In 2017, there were 137 new cases of carbon monoxide poisoning per 1,000,000 people worldwide, and 4.6 deaths per 1,000,000. The global incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning has remained steady over the previous 25 years, while mortality has decreased by 36-40%. Every year in Mongolia, 700-840 persons are hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, there has been a lack of study into the prevalence and causes of carbon monoxide poisoning and death. Goal: Study the dynamics of morbidity and mortality cases caused by carbon monoxide poisoning in Mongolia. Objectives:
To analyze the carbon monoxide poisoning morbidity recorded in Mongolia between 2016-2020.
To analyze the carbon monoxide poisoning mortality reported in Mongolia between 2016-2020. Material and Methods: The survey was conducted utilizing data from outpatient and inpatient poisoning and deaths reported in 2016-2020 with the goal of studying carbon monoxide poisoning and mortality in Mongolia. Workplace exposure poisoning was excluded from quantitative data on carbon monoxide poisoning (fires, suicidal, accidental and domestic explosions, accidents, external effects).The statistics analysis was performed using 23 versions of the SPSS program, to estimate a distribution of new cases and fatalities per 10,000 population depended on age, sex, average number of hospital days, and standard error. ArcGIS version 10.8 was used to map the locations. Results: Acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning was 0.01-0.31 cases per 10,000 population during 2016 and 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, it increased to 1.5-1.9 cases per 10,000 population, with up to 37% of those admitted to hospitals. In the last five years, carbon monoxiderelated deaths have been reported in 0.1-0.3 cases per 10,000 population. The amount of hours firing of the households increases every year in September, when the colder season begins. Incidences of death and intentional poisoning were reported in Arkhangai, Uvurkhangai, Khuvsgulaimags, and Ulaanbaatar. The average age of poisoning patients admitted to the hospital was 33 ± 19.5 years old (minimum 2 months, maximum 81). In terms of gender, women registered for 58.4 (734) percent of all cases. The average number of days spent in the hospital was 3.4± 3.7 days.
Carbon monoxide poisoning-related mortality. During the previous five years (2016-2020), 353 people died in Mongolia as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, although 1.4 percent, or five people, died in hospitals, one case in Bayan-Ulgii, Zavkhan, and Uvs aimags, and two cases in Ulaanbaatar. However, 98.6 percent of them died prematurely at home or in poisoned places due to a lack of access to health care. The average age of carbon monoxide poisoning deaths cases was 35 ± 19.9 years old, and 71.7 (253) percent were male. The Ulaanbaatar, Selenge, Uvs, and Dornod aimags had the lowest death rate of 0.08-0.21 per 10,000 population, while Khuvsgul and Arkhangai aimags had the highest death rate of 0.96-1.57 per 10,000 population. Conclusions Carbon monoxide poisoning among the population rises during the winter season, however, in the previous five years, 96.5 percent of cases have been poisoned accidentally, particularly 82.6 (1035) percent of cases reported in Ulaanbaatar. According to socioeconomic factors, 41.6 (529) of the cases were male, with an average age of 36.5±15.4 years.
During the preceding five years, carbon monoxide-related mortality in Mongolia was between 0.2 per 10,000 people. Without medical attention, 99.2% of cases died at the exposed location or area. The death rate in Khuvsgul aimags was low, whereas it was high in Ulaanbaatar city. The average age of premature deaths was 35±19.9 years, and 71.7 (253) percent were male.

Various studies conducted worldwide emphasized the importance of identifying gastric cancer risk factors for better prevention and further incidence reduction. A total of 52 identified risk factors for gastric cancer were classified into nine categories in which diet, lifestyle, and infections are leading causes. Gastric cancer morbidity and mortality has an increasing trend annually in our country. In Mongolia, only 1% is diagnosed in the carcinoma stage, 3% in the first stage, 11% in the second stage, 43% in the third stage, 42% in the fourth stage.
The “Gastric cancer risk factors study, 2018” by L.Tulgaa, and D.Ganchimeg confirmed smoking on an empty stomach as a risk factor. B.Gantuya et al`s (2018) study on gastric cancer and helicobacter infection, as well as S.Tsegmed et al`s (2012) gastric cancer prevalence, its risk factors study, had similar results.
B.Gantuya et al (2018) identified the excessive consumption of salt among the gastric cancer diagnosed population in Mongolia. Also, L.Tulgaa and D.Ganchimeg et al`s “Gastric cancer risk factors study, 2018” results reported the daily consumption of salt in tea is a risk for gastric cancer.
L.Tulgaa et al`s (2018) study participants had irregular mealtime such as dinners are at a very late hour, the meals aren`t chewed well, leftover meals, and seasoning consumption. These characteristics were significantly different in two groups with a statistically important result.
Furthermore, the study results suggested a need to provide practical advice on healthy eating to the population as 50% of the participants consumed more than 5 high-risk food products for esophageal and gastric cancer along with combined risk factors.

Introduction: Soum and family health care centers (primary health care centers) provide public health services to reduce the negative effects of air pollution on health. In order to decrease the risk factors due to air pollution, it is crucial for health professionals, who are providing health care services to the public, to have the knowledge, attitude and practice to give an advice for residents on how to protect their health from air pollution. The “Air pollution and child health” report from WHO recommended that responsibility of health professionals must include knowing the latest information on air pollution, doing a research, spreading the knowledge, educating families and community and learning from them as well, proposing solutions, and finding a solution for policy developers and decision makers in other sectors. Therefore, we conducted this survey with purpose to determine the long-term effects of air pollution on population psychology and lifestyle and to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of health professionals on how to protect a health from air pollution. Goal: Evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of health professionals on air pollution. Material and Methods: In 2019, this study conducted a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative and qualitative data. 88.4% of (n=532) health professionals from 48 secondary health care centers (SHCC) and 64 family health care centers (FHCC), which are agents that implement UNICEF project, in Bayanzurkh, Songinokhairkhan districts and Bayankhongor aimag were participated in the survey. Results: 97.4% of the participants agreed that air pollution has negative effects on human health. 99.5% of participants did not know the Mongolian standard for the acceptable level of air pollutant particulate matter (PM) and 73.1% of all participants did not receive information about air quality index. 82.1% of participants regularly give prevention advice with the purpose of protecting maternal and child health from air. The participants who worked for more than 21 years and who are older than 51 years old were more likely to give advice (p<0.05). As for the reasons for not giving advice about air pollution for protecting the maternal and child health, 29.2% of participants answered the service time is not enough, and 22.9% mentioned the lack of knowledge and information. 30.5% (162) of participants were not satisfied with their skill to give an advice on how to protect maternal and child health from air pollution. 86.8% of participants indicated that they did not receive proper training on air pollution and prevention from air pollution. Conclusion There is a need to provide training and information on how to protect maternal and child health from air pollution for health professionals.

Introduction: Beginning 15 May 2019, the consumption of raw coal in Ulaanbaatar has been replaced by the consumption of briquette fuel for the improvement of air quality according to Governmental Resolution No.62 adopted in 2018. Since after this resolution has been in placed the number of CO poisoning has been increased as of 18 December 2019, nine persons were died and 1394 people get a health care service due to CO poisoning. However, it has been not been assessed briquette affect to the indoor air quality and its health impact. Thus, it is need urge to define the indoor air quality effect of briquette and its heath impact. Goal: To assess the indoor air quality of the household using the “improved briquette” and identify the causes of the risk. Material and Method: This a cross-sectional survey, conducted from January 31, 2020 to April 31, 2020, data were obtained by quantitative, qualitative (observation, interview) and direct indoor air quality measurement. The survey sampling frame was 40 households in central 6 districts of Ulaanbaatar that used improved fuels (20 households with a history of carbon monoxide poisoning and 20 households that were not affected), and 14 households in the Nalaikh district that used raw coal, in total of 54 households were participated. Indoor air quality was measured by PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, NO2, and microclimate per household for 24 hours during a week.
The statistical data analysis was done by the SPSS-23 program and preformed required parametric and non-parametric tests. The normality of the data was checked by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The most of data was not normally distributed. So, thus we used median and used relevant non-parametric tests. The average level of microclimate indicators, and air quality indicators were defined as mean, median and its IQR and standard deviation. The 95% confidence intervals of mean and frequencies were determined and used to differentiate group differences.
The Ethical permission to start the survey was approved by the 2nd meeting of the Ministry of Health on February 4, 2020. The committee was reviewed and approved the research methodology based on whether data collection technique and tools are considered the ethical issues, and whether provided accurate information for make decisions to enroll to the survey for respondents. Results: According to the health statistic, from October 2, 2019 to March 31, 2020, a total of 2,768 people from 837 households were exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Of the total reported cases, 10 were drunk, and 2 were due to other disease complications, and a total of 2,756 cases were confirmed diagnosis as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Emissions of CO were recorded every 15 seconds and the results were calculated by conducting continuous measurements per household for 24 hours a week. The level of CO emitted into the indoor environment of households exposed by carbon monoxide had increased during the following time from 7 am to 9 am in the morning, from 13 pm to 15 pm, from 18 pm to 20 pm in the evening, and from 22 pm to 24 pm at night. During this period of time, the indoor air CO level had increased from the WHO mild poisoning recommendation level. Conclusion It has been defined that the carbon monoxide emits to the indoor air households which are using an improved fuel according to measurement the 30 minutes, 31-60 minutes, and 61-120 minutes after burning.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction is leading cause of global morbidity and mortality and major health care burden in worldwide. Previous studies demonstrated that restoration of myocardial tissue perfusion after primary PCI is significant factor of improved outcome. In Mongolia, studying long term effects of primary PCI in patients with AMI and its’ association with coronary blood flow, tissue Doppler imaging, left ventricular global strain pattern in speckle-tracking echocardiography and risk factors are essential in theoretical and clinical practice. AIMS: To determine long term effects of primary PCI in patients with AMI and its’ association with left ventricular strain pattern in speckle-tracking echocardiography, risk factors and patient prognosis. METHODS: We used prospective cohort study design. We were selected 414 patients with AMI who treated by primary PCI between 2015 and 2016 at the State Third Central Hospital. Echocardiographic examination was conducted on Philips iE33 xMATRIX ultrasound machine. The PCI was performed according to the MNS:6379-2013 standard. RESULTS: Mean age was 60±13 and majority of them were male 84% (n=347). Complete coronary perfusion (TIMI-3) was achieved in patients 88% (n=367) after primary PCI. There was weak, negative correlation between coronary TIMI flow grade and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (r=-0.183, CI 95% -0.289 to-0.066, p<0.001). In patients with incomplete coronary perfusion (TIMI<3), mortality rate was significantly higher during 24 months follow-up. After primary PCI, 24 months mortality was 9.9% (n=39). Cut-off value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain which predict long term (within 24 month follow-up) mortality was -12.93% (sensitivity 74.4%, specificity 74.3%). Mortality during 24 months follow-up was significantly different between left ventricular global longitudinal strain groups (log-rank test p<0.001) and mortality was higher in left ventricular global longitudinal strain ≥ -12.93% group. CONCLUSION: Coronary no-reflow phenomenon is associated with long term mortality in patients with AMI. In patients with AMI who treated by PCI, long term mortality is predictable with left ventricular global longitudinal (≥-12.93%, p<0.001) strain.