Background: Overconsumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, namely those high in sugar, salt, and saturated or trans fats, is observed among children and is associated with poorer health outcomes. The global trend of increasing consumption of foods with high energy and low nutrient density, including refined foods such as sugary and savory snacks, is reflected across all socioeconomic groups. Unhealthy food consumption increases the risk of overweight and obesity, and consequently elevates the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [1]. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the level of unhealthy food consumption among general education school students, disseminate the findings to the public, and develop and implement evidence-based interventions accordingly. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was employed. A total of 5,578 students were randomly selected from 33 schools operating in Övцrkhangai Province and included in the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.
The prevalence of unhealthy food consumption and oral hygiene status among students was expressed as frequencies and percentages. The association between two variables was assessed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: Among the participating students, 92.7% reported regularly consuming fast food, and 75.8% consumed it more than three times per week. The main reasons for consuming unhealthy foods included “being quick and convenient” (53.9%), “craving” (43.6%), and “the widespread availability of such foods nearby” (6.9%). Consumption of all types of sugary and processed foods showed a statistically significant association with dental caries (p=0.0001), indicating that these products contribute to the development of tooth decay. Furthermore, the prevalence of healthy teeth was highest (84.1%) among students who brushed their teeth at least twice a day, whereas dental caries was more common among students who brushed once daily or did not brush at all. This suggests that increased frequency of toothbrushing is associated with lower rates of dental caries, and this relationship was statistically significant (p<0.000). Conclusion The majority of students participating in the study regularly consume unhealthy foods such as fast food, carbonated beverages, sugary products, ice cream, and chocolate, and 58.6% were found to have dental caries. When comparing by location, both the frequency of unhealthy food consumption and the prevalence of dental caries were higher in the provincial center and in larger or roadside soums.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a disease caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and is considered to have an individual, occupational, and socioeconomic impact. Aim: To study the risk factors for CTS among hospital floor cleaners. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among floor cleaners at the Third State Central Hospital. Clinical and electrophysiological severity of CTS were evaluated using standardised scales, and symptoms were assessed with the self-administered Boston Questionnaire (BQ). Demographic and non-occupational factors, as well as durations of current and previous occupations, were recorded. The diagnosis was confirmed by electrophysiological analysis. Each assessment was categorised as mild, moderate, or severe. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0. Result: The prevalence of CTS among floor cleaners was 39% (32/82) (p < 0.001). In the simple logistic regression, comorbidities (OR, 2.50 [95% CI, 1.02-6.16]), smoking (OR, 3.90 [95% CI, 1.12-13.57]) and in the multiple logistic regression, only comorbidities (OR, 2.90 [95% CI, 1.03-8.16]) were the predictors of CTS. Conclusion The risk of developing CTS among hospital floor cleaners is influenced by BMI, smoking, and comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus.

Background: Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in immune function, skin integrity, and inflammatory regulation. Zinc deficiency has been associated with impaired immune response and increased risk of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis. Hair mineral analysis provides a reliable method for assessing long-term mineral status. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between hair zinc levels and atopic dermatitis among Mongolian children. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted among 1000 children aged 0–18 years. Hair samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: The results showed that 79.6% of children had zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency was highly prevalent in younger age groups, affecting 99.3% of children aged 0–9 years and 93.6% in those aged 10–14 years, while it decreased significantly to 10.2% in those aged 15 years and older. A significant association was found between age group and zinc status (χ²=727.111, p<0.001). Among the participants, 6.3% were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, and 71.4% of them had zinc deficiency. Conclusion These findings suggest a potential association between zinc deficiency and atopic dermatitis. Early detection and nutritional intervention for zinc deficiency in children may be important for preventing allergic skin diseases.

Introduction: Arsenic is a widespread environmental metalloid that poses a global health risk, particularly through contamination of drinking water. Exposure arises from natural and human activities through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Its absorption and toxicity vary by chemical form, with trivalent arsenic generally more toxic than pentavalent arsenic. Once absorbed, arsenic can accumulate in tissues and body fluids. Objective: To compare urinary arsenic concentrations among adults residing in selected mining and non-mining areas of Mongolia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 422 adults from mining areas (n = 333; Bayan-Undur, Tsogtsetsii, and Khanbogd) and non-mining areas (n = 89; Bulgan and Bayandalai). Questionnaire data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupation, smoking, and dietary habits were collected. Urine samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Arsenic concentrations were summarized as geometric means (GMs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of the 422 participants, 242 (57.3%) were women. The GM urinary arsenic concentration was 31.10 µg/L [95% CI, 28.96–33.58] in mining areas and 26.42 µg/L [95% CI, 22.98–30.39] in non-mining areas. Among mining communities, GMs were 33.45 µg/L in Bayan-Undur, 25.49 µg/L in Tsogtsetsii, and 24.82 µg/L in Khanbogd. In the non-mining communities, GMs were 29.43 µg/L in Bulgan and 23.02 µg/L in Bayandalai. Conclusion The urinary arsenic concentration was higher among adults in the selected mining areas, with variation between communities. Further analyses accounting for potential confounders, together with arsenic speciation and environmental measurements, are needed to clarify exposure sources and the contribution of mining activities.

Background: There is a scarcity of research in Mongolia that assesses essential minerals—crucial for child growth—by analyzing their levels in hair tissue and correlating these findings with age, gender, and growth indicators. This gap serves as the rationale for the present study. Aim: To determine the prevalence of deficient levels (below laboratory reference ranges) of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, P, Fe, Cu, and Se in hair, and to evaluate their associations with growth curves, age, and gender. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from 1,000 children aged 1–18 years who underwent testing at the “Tod-H” Pediatric Growth Clinic between June 2016 and December 2022. The children were categorized into the following age groups: 0–4 (n=138), 5–9 (n=276), 10–14 (n=390), and 15–18 years (n=196). Mineral analysis of hair samples was conducted at the “Medinex” laboratory in South Korea using the ICP-MS method; values falling below the laboratory’s reference range were classified as a “deficiency.” Among the total of 1,000 children, the growth curves of 997 children with recorded height measurements were evaluated and categorized into three groups: ≤3rd percentile (growth retardation, n=154), 3rd–50th percentile (relatively short stature, n=497), and >50th percentile (normal growth, n=346). Three children diagnosed with autism, for whom height measurement was not possible, were excluded from the growth-related analyses. The prevalence of mineral deficiencies is presented as n (%), and comparisons across growth curve groups, age, and sex were performed using the χ² test, with adjustments made via the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex, was employed to compare the growth-retarded and relatively short-stature groups against the >50th percentile (normal growth) group. Results: An analysis of mineral levels in the hair of all children included in the study revealed deficiencies (levels below the reference range) in the following proportions: zinc (Zn) in 79.6%, phosphorus (P) in 76.6%, selenium (Se) in 73.3%, calcium (Ca) in 19.7%, and magnesium (Mg) in 17.5%. In the group of children with stunted growth, the prevalence of deficiencies was 88.3% for zinc (Zn), 85.7% for phosphorus (P), and 30.5% for calcium (Ca)—rates higher than those observed in the group of children with relatively short stature (3rd–50th percentiles; Zn 77.9%, P 73.8%, Ca 16.5%) and the group with normal growth (>50th percentile; Zn 78.0%, P 76.3%, Ca 19.7%). After applying the FDR correction, the differences among the three growth-curve groups were statistically significant for Zn (q=0.030), P (q=0.030), and Ca (q=0.006). In contrast, the prevalence of selenium (Se) deficiency was identical across all three growth-curve groups (73.4%, 73.4%, 73.4%; q=1.000). The study results indicate that age-related differences are most pronounced regarding deficiencies in zinc, phosphorus, and calcium. The prevalence of zinc (Zn) deficiency was 99.3% for the 0–4 and 5–9 age groups, 93.6% for the 10–14 age group, and 10.2% for the 15–18 age group. For phosphorus (P), the corresponding figures were 93.5%, 92.8%, 90.8%, and 13.8%, while for calcium (Ca), they were 33.3%, 37.0%, 9.5%, and 6.1%, respectively (p<0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence of deficiencies in zinc (Zn) (84.6% vs. 76.0%; q=0.007), iron (Fe) (5.5% vs. 1.7%; q=0.007), and selenium (Se) (77.4% vs. 70.4%; q=0.049) was higher in females than in males. After adjusting for age and sex and applying the False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction, it was determined that none of the mineral deficiencies showed an independent association with stunted growth or relatively short stature. Conclusion Hair mineral analysis revealed that deficiencies in zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), and selenium (Se) were the most common. In children with growth retardation, deficiencies in zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) were relatively more prevalent; however, this was associated with age distribution, and factor analysis did not confirm an independent correlation. Conversely, selenium (Se) deficiency did not differ across the growth curve groups.

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate serum creatinine as a marker of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in alcohol use disorder people, and to determine correlation between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and eGFR in chronic kidney disease classification level. Methods: In this study, 118 people were examined 2024. We measured serum creatinine based GFR using the Cockroft Gault formula. Biochemical analysis and serum creatinine were evaluated using a fully automatic analyzer (GOLSITE, China). Statistical results were analyzed SPSS. Result: The mean subject age was 48.6±10.3, BMI 25.3±3.7 and male: female ratio was 5:1. Mean arterial pressure was 104±12.8 mmHg, eGFR 94±28 ml/ min/1.73m2, and mean arterial pressure was significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P<0.05) and no difference between male and female recipients. Mean eGFR was calculated into 4 groups of 10-year intervals, that eGFR was decreased significantly with age groups. For the alcohol dependence stages of the Michigan Test, the mean eGFR was stage 1 is 112 ml/min/1.73m2, stage 2 is 89 ml/min/1.73m2, stage 3 is 97 ml/min/1.73m2 and there is not statistically significant correlation between Michigan test scores and eGFR. Conclusion According to our research, one of the optimal methods for assessing kidney function is the creatinine-based CKD calculation method, and long-term excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for CKD, as well as one of the main causes of death due to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Background: To evaluate changes in liver function in patients with alcohol use disorder and propose preventive measures. Methods: In this study, 118 people were examined between January 2024 to December 2024. Results were analyzed SPSS. Result: The mean subject age was 48.6± 10.3 years, male: female ratio was 5:1. Mean arterial pressure was 104±12.8 mmHg, ALT 86.7 ± 93.8 (U/L), AST 89.3±82.8 (U/L), GGT 213.8±252.3 (U/L). A statistically significant correlation was found between AST and ALT levels (R² = 0.562). However, no significant correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose levels (R² = 0.002). The AST/ALT ratio was also statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Excessive alcohol consumption increases the levels of liver enzymes AST 89.3 ± 82.8 (U/L), ALT 86.7 ± 93.8 (U/L), and GGT 213.8 ± 252.3 (U/L), leading to increased liver cell damage. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce alcohol consumption and implement preventive measures.

Background: Globally, gastric cancer accounts for 1,089,000 new cases and 769,000 deaths annually, ranking fifth in overall cancer incidence and third in cancer-related mortality. The aim to determine HER2 expression in patients with gastric cancer and to evaluate its correlation with clinical and immunological biomarkers, as well as the need for further laboratory diagnostics. Aim: To determine HER2 expression in patients with gastric cancer and to evaluate its association with clinical and immunological biomarkers, as well as the potential need for further laboratory diagnostics. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using archived materials from patients with gastric cancer at the Clinical Pathology, Molecular Genetics, and Pathology Laboratories of the National Cancer Center of Mongolia, covering the period from 2019 to June 2025. HER2 protein expression in tumor tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH-HER2) was employed to confirm gene amplification. Statistical analysis was performed using the Prisma-10 software. Results: In our study, among 210 cases of gastric cancer evaluated by IHC for HER2, 46 (21.9%) were HER2-positive and 164 (78.1%) were HER2-negative. When comparing patients with gastric cancer stratified into HER2 1+ (negative) and HER2 3+ (positive) groups, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in age, sex, tumor location (surgically resected tissue), morphology, or disease stage. However, a higher proportion of males was noted in the HER2 3+ group (80.9%), though this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0879). Significant associations were found with tumor markers. Elevated serum CA-72-4 (>5 ng/mL) was more frequent in the HER2 3+ group (58.8%; p = 0.0069). In contrast, elevated CA-19-9 (>35 U/mL) was more common in the HER2 1+ group (93.5%; p = 0.0117), and elevated CEA (>6.9 U/mL) was also predominant in the HER2 1+ group (90.6%; p = 0.002). These findings suggest that HER2 3+ status predominates in cases with elevated CA-72-4, which may influence diagnostic strategies and HER2-targeted therapies (e.g., trastuzumab). Conversely, elevated CA-19-9 and CEA were more associated with HER2 1+ status, indicating a need for further detailed investigation of these markers in relation to HER2 expression. In patients evaluated by CISH for HER2 expression, stratification into HER2-positive and HER2-negative groups revealed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in age, sex, tumor location, morphology, stage, or serum tumor markers (CA-72-4, CA-19-9, CEA). This suggests that HER2 status (positive/negative) may be independent of these variables. Although HER2 positivity was higher in poorly differentiated tumors (48% vs. 30.6% negative; p=0.1414) and in stage IV disease (50% vs. 39.3% negative; p=0.2607), these differences were not statistically significant. Elevated serum markers (CA-72-4, CA-19-9, CEA) were observed but showed no significant correlation with HER2 status. Conclusion Determining the molecular profile of gastric cancer patients can significantly contribute to refining clinical diagnosis, developing treatment strategies, enhancing therapeutic outcomes, and improving patients’ quality of life.

: According to the elemental analysis survey, it is confirmed that the content of silicon (Si) and aluminium (Al) in coarse particles in the ambient air of Erdenet city is the highest (2457 ng/cm2, 1061.72 ng/cm2), and the content of black carbon (BC) is the highest (2699.9 ng/cm2) for the fine particles, respectively. In Orkhon Aimag, 221 new cancer cases were registered in 2023, 20.8 per 10,000 population, and 123 deaths were registered, which decreased by 20 cases from the previous year. Stomach, lung, and oesophageal cancers are the most common. Among the leading causes of diseases, diseases of the respiratory system are led by its prevalence rate of 1536 per 10,000 population, followed by the diseases of the digestive system prevalence rate of 821 per 10,000. Goal: To review the epidemiological tendency of diseases registered in Orkhon aimag between 2006 and 2022. Materials and Methods: The secondary data on outpatient 2006-2022 of Orkhon aimag was collected and analysed. All disease data followed the X International Classification of Diseases classification. The Ethical permission was obtained from the Ethical Committee at the Ach Medical University. All personnel information-related data was removed and no any name and location of personnel data was mentioned in the survey result. Results: In Orkhon Aimag, 524,927 cases of diseases were registered in 2006-2022. Respiratory system diseases were 29.82 percent of total diseases, digestive system diseases were 16.58 percent, genitourinary system diseases were 11.28 percent, cardiovascular system diseases were 10.45 percent, and skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases were 8.38 percent. Chronic heart diseases of rheumatic origin were registered for 11.59 percent of the population aged 50-54, hypertension diseases were registered 12.41 percent, and a steady increase was observed in the age of 20-54. Conclusions
1. When studying the structure of diseases among the population of Orkhon aimag, the respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary system, circulatory system and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue are the first five leading causes of diseases and consisted 76.95% of the total number of diseases. In the study of analyzing the diseases of the circulatory system by age group and diagnosis, cases of ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure are found among children aged 15-19 years. CVD are more common among the population aged 40-54.
2. There is a tendency that skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases to be on the rise among the population.

Health impact assessment is a means of evidence-based policy-making for improvement in health. It is a combination of methods whose aim is to assess the health consequences to a population of a policy, project, or program that does not necessarily have health as its primary objective. It is described as being “the leading global network on best practice in the use of impact assessment for informed decision-making regarding policies, programs, plans and projects”. In recent years, much evidence was revealed that the mining, metal mining, and processing industry has a greatly impact on humans. Residing population has affected directly and indirectly influenced to the health and wellbeing of human.
The mining, metal mining and processing industries play an important role in the economic and social development of Mongolia. With the rapid development of the mining industry in Mongolia, environmental protection and environmental rehabilitation have become a priority. Currently, there are 27 laws governing environmental legal acts in our country, and chapter 3 of the Hygiene Law covers environmental and health impact assessment. As stated the implementation of the law shall be financed from the state and local budgets, the central state administrative organization and the Governor at the appropriate level shall order the relevant professional organizations to carry out environmental research and analysis work and to develop projects, and in addition to financing with budget funds, as well as conducting research with their funds for interested citizens, enterprises, and organizations were are arrangements to support the implementation of the laws and its regulation.
However, Within the scope of the Law on Environmental Protection and Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures, the negative impact on the environment is identified but in the area of health impact, it is a lack of information on how the activities are conducted, and health impact assessments are not conducted according to procedures and methods. Thus, there are need to conduct health impact assessments of the mining area and its affected population.