Background: Dental caries is a preventable disease influenced by individual behavior, dietary habits, lifestyle, and health literacy. According to data from preventive health screenings initiated in Mongolia in 2022, dental caries accounted for 77.7% of 258,008 suspected conditions identified among children aged 0–17 years. Reducing the prevalence and severity of dental caries in children requires strengthening primary health care systems that emphasize the prevention and early detection of oral diseases and the provision of oral health education, rather than focusing solely on the treatment of existing dental caries. Aim: To assess the policy environment and implementation context of oral health care within primary health care in Mongolia and to identify key challenges and priority areas for improvement. Materials and Methods: A policy document review was conducted. The study included legal and policy documents governing primary health care as of 2026, together with relevant statistical data on oral diseases, health workforce, and financing. The collected information was categorized into key domains and synthesized and compared using an analytical matrix. Result: The current policy environment for primary health care in Mongolia does not yet provide all the conditions necessary to deliver equitable and prevention-oriented oral health services to the population. In particular, residents of soums and villages have limited access through their local health facilities to comprehensive services for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and maxillofacial conditions. The inclusion of prevention, early detection, and primary oral health care within the “Healthy Teeth” initiative represents a positive policy development; however, mechanisms to ensure effective implementation remain insufficient. Although the Health Insurance Fund covers the costs of selected dental treatments for children and pregnant women, oral health care remains costly for other age groups, creating a considerable financial burden and limiting access to necessary services. Conclusion Reducing the burden of oral and maxillofacial diseases in Mongolia requires a transition from a treatment-oriented system toward primary health care based on prevention, early detection, and oral health education. Oral health care should be integrated into primary health care, with improved access at the soum and village levels and comprehensive strengthening of the health workforce, financing, and implementation mechanisms.

Background: According to the 2024 national health statistics of Mongolia, colorectal cancer accounts for 5.1% of all newly diagnosed cancers, with 74.1% detected at an advanced stage. Although population-based screening programs have recently been implemented, no studies have established a risk factor–based scoring system with an optimal cut-off value or evaluated its clinical utility in resource-limited settings in Mongolia. Aim: To develop a modified APCS (mAPCS) scoring system and evaluate its clinical applicability for colorectal cancer screening. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and February 2026 at the outpatient clinics of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences and the Mongolia–Japan Hospital. A total of 447 eligible participants were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were obtained, and six categories of questionnaires (demographic data, APCS risk score, behavioral factors, medical history, and medication use) were administered. Eleven participants declined colonoscopy; therefore, 436 participants underwent colonoscopic examination, with histopathological evaluation performed when indicated. Results: A total of 436 participants were included, of whom 282 (64.7%) were female, with a mean age of 54.8±11.5 years. Colorectal adenomas (advanced and non-advanced) and colorectal cancer were detected in 199 (45.6%) participants. Among them, 43 (21.6%) had advanced colorectal neoplasia. Multivariable regression analysis identified age ≥55 years (OR 4.8), BMI ≥28 kg/m² (OR 3.6), and a family history of colorectal cancer (OR 3.1) as independent risk factors for advanced neoplasia. The optimal cut-off value for the mAPCS score was 4, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 41.7% (sensitivity 97.7%, specificity 35.6%). Conclusions 1. Age ≥55 years, BMI ≥28 kg/m², and a family history of colorectal cancer were identified as independent risk factors for advanced colorectal neoplasia. At a cut-off value of ≥4, the mAPCS scoring system demonstrated high sensitivity (97.7%), low specificity (35.6%), high negative predictive value (99.2%), and low positive predictive value (14.2%). 2. Therefore, the mAPCS scoring system may serve as a useful tool for risk stratification and efficient allocation of limited resources in colorectal cancer screening.

Introduction: Oral health is an essential component of children's overall health, growth, nutrition, learning ability, and quality of life. Establishing appropriate toothbrushing habits during early childhood requires both effective oral health education and a supportive school environment. This study aimed to assess oral health knowledge among second-grade primary school students and examine its relationship with dental caries prevalence and the availability of school toothbrushing facilities. Goal: To evaluate oral health knowledge among second-grade students in selected public primary schools in Ulaanbaatar and determine its association with dental caries prevalence, sex, and the school toothbrushing environment. Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in May 2026 among 971 second-grade students from 12 public primary schools in Khan-Uul, Chingeltei, and Bayanzurkh districts of Ulaanbaatar. Schools with and without designated toothbrushing facilities were selected using a 1:2 ratio. Oral health knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire consisting of 10 questions covering daily oral hygiene, toothbrushing practices, dietary factors, and preventive care. Dental caries were assessed through clinical oral examinations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. The study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), under Approval No. 26/03, issued in 2026. Results: Overall, 74.77% of students had dental caries, indicating a high prevalence. No statistically significant difference in caries prevalence was observed between boys and girls. Students attending schools equipped with toothbrushing facilities had a significantly lower prevalence of dental caries than those attending schools without such facilities (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.42 0.76). Regarding oral health knowledge, 59.84% of students demonstrated poor knowledge, 37.88% moderate knowledge, and only 2.88% good knowledge. Students showed relatively good knowledge of cariogenic foods and recommended toothbrush replacement intervals; however, knowledge of proper toothbrushing techniques, appropriate toothbrush selection, and the importance of preventive dental visits remained insufficient. Conclusion Most second-grade students had inadequate oral health knowledge and a high prevalence of dental caries. School toothbrushing facilities were associated with a lower risk of dental caries. Strengthening practical school-based oral health education, establishing standardized toothbrushing facilities, and integrating regular preventive dental examinations into school health programs may contribute to improving children's oral health and reducing dental caries.

Background: Population health literacy constitutes a comprehensive competency to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information, serving as a foundational prerequisite for disease prevention frameworks. Within primary healthcare settings, nursing counseling plays a pivotal role in fostering healthy behaviors among citizens; however, there remains a critical need to quantitatively evaluate the correlation between these behavioral modifications and health literacy, thereby establishing an evidence-based analysis. Aim: To assess the level of health literacy and healthy lifestyle habits among citizens, and to evaluate their correlation with nursing counseling and support. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted between August and September 2026, enrolling 145 citizens aged 18 and older who received care at the Tsetsekhairkhan Family Health Center of Songinokhairkhan district, Ulaanbaatar city and Telmen Soum Health Center in Zavkhan Province. HL was evaluated using the Mongolian version of the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire, and total scores were calculated. Nursing involvement was evaluated via a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0, utilizing logistic regression analysis to determine Odds Ratios (OR) and p-values. Results: The mean HLS-EU-Q16 score of the participants (n=145) was 10.4±3.2. Regarding HL level distribution, 42.1% (n=61) were inadequate, 34.5% (n=50) were problematic/limited, and 23.4% (n=34) possessed sufficient health literacy. Participants perceived nursing support as highly influential (58.8%) and moderately influential (29.8%) in adopting healthy habits. Regular recipients of health counseling from nurses demonstrated a 3.79-fold higher likelihood of actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle (OR=3.79, 95% CI: 1.84–7.81, p=0.001) and a 3.05-fold higher likelihood of implementing the counseling into practice (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 1.35–6.88, p=0.0076). Conclusion Although citizens exhibit a limited capacity to independently search for and appraise health information—reflecting an overall inadequate level of HL—nurse-led counseling and support exert a direct, statistically significant positive impact on enhancing healthy behaviors among citizens.

Introduction: According to epidemiological studies conducted in Mongolia over the past decade, diseases of the digestive system have consistently ranked second in terms of morbidity and fourth in mortality. With the rapid advancement of technology, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy living habits have become more prevalent among the population, leading to a trend of digestive disorders affecting younger age groups. Therefore, investigating the prevalence, pathological changes, and risk factors associated with gallbladder and pancreatic diseases among university students has become the rationale for this study. Objective: To study the prevalence of gallbladder and pancreatic disorders and determine some of the associated risk factors. Methodology: 200 students from the first to sixth year were selected through random sampling based on the WHO age classification. Data collection included a structured questionnaire and ultrasound examination using the SUN-800D device. Diagnostic criteria followed the national clinical guidelines for acute cholecystitis. Results: Out of 200 participants, 120 (60%) were female and 80 (40%) were male. Among them, 128 students (64%) reported skipping breakfast regularly, and 147 (73.5%) did not consume an adequate amount of fluids daily. Ultrasound examinations revealed that 104 students (52%) had some form of gallbladder or pancreatic abnormality. Additionally, gallstones were detected in 1 student (0.5%), and gallbladder polyps were found in 5 students (2.5%). Conclusion Gallbladder and pancreatic abnormalities were observed in 52% of the participants. Among the associated risk factors, 64% of students reported skipping breakfast, and 73.5% had inadequate daily fluid intake. The ultrasound findings showed that 47% had biliary sludge, 32% had gallbladder kinking, and 48.5% had increased pancreatic echogenicity.

Background: The skin barrier serves as the primary defense against environmental factors. Mongolia’s extreme climate conditions may contribute to skin barrier impairment, increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and decreased skin moisture. Objective: To determine and compare skin moisture, TEWL, and skin pH levels in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 with 104 relatively healthy children selected through random sampling. Skin physiological parameters, including skin moisture, skin pH and TEWL were measured following the EEMCO (European Group on Efficacy Measurement of Cosmetics and Other Topical Products) guidelines using the Multi Skin Test MC750 device (Courage+Khazaka Electronics, Germany) at nine different sites. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and Stata-14 software. Results: Among the participants, 51.9% (n=54) reported having dry skin (p<0.0001). Additionally, 64.5% (n=67) used moisturizers, but their usage did not show a statistically significant difference in skin moisture (p=0.929), skin pH (p=0.378), or TEWL (p=0.332). 14.42% (n=15) had extremely dry skin, while 85.58% (n=89) had dry skin, with no participants falling within the normal skin moisture range. TEWL showed a moderate inverse correlation with age (r=-0.331, p=0.0006). When analyzed by age groups, skin moisture (p=0.023) and TEWL (p=0.038) differed significantly between groups. Conclusion Skin moisture and TEWL significantly differ across age groups. Given that all participants had dry skin, moisturization is crucial. Mongolia’s extreme climate is likely a key contributing factor to childhood skin dryness.

Introduction: The development of analytical methods for evaluation of quality standard parameters of drugs and other health prophylactic, diagnostic, and therapeutic products is essential from the beginning in the process to release to the market finished product. Validation of developed analytical methods is one crucial part of the analysis.
Quantitative determination methods of the total main active compounds of the tincture prepared from the root and the herb of Paeonia anomala L. were developed. In order to verify whether the analytical procedure is suitable for its intended purpose parameters – accuracy, reproducibility, intermediate precision, and linearity were validated. Materials and methods: The total phenolics in the tincture were determined by the reaction with Folin Chicolteau reagent and total monoterpene glycosides by the reaction with hydroxylamine in alkaline solution and ferric (III) chloride following spectrophotometric examination, respectively. Based on the achieved results of the developed quantitative methods which were validated according to the accepted and pursued technical documents in our country the Eurachem guide “The Fitness for Purpose of Analytical Methods” and Russian Pharmacopoeia 13 “Validation of analytical methodology”, where parameters as accuracy, precision – reproducibility, intermediate precision, and linearity are involved. Conclusions Statistical analysis of total phenolic compounds and total monoterpene glycosides in the Paeonia anomala tincture demonstrated that the bias calculated was for accuracy 0.674% and 0.703%, relative standard deviations were for reproducibility 0.896% and 0.798%, for inter- mediate precision 0.922% and 0.696%, respectively and the linearity – R²=0.9985 and R²=0.9997. All achieved results validated the appropriateness of the developed quantitative methods for the intended purpose.

Introduction: Due to social transition and change of many societal activities in Mongolia, there is an increasing need for pharmaceutical drugs to treat anxiety, stress, fatigue and insomnia. It is considered that medicinal plants used in traditional medicine as sedatives, anti-anxiety and anti-depressive activities could be effective. Our study focuses on exploring optimal methods for preparing tinctures from Paeonia L. genus species, a sedative in Mongolian traditional medicine, and studying their phytochemical compositions. Materials and methods: Root and herb of Paeonia anomala L., grown in Mogod soum in Bulgan province, were used for the study.
Prepared herb and root were chopped and sieved into 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm sizes. Then from each size of two samples, a set was created with a 1:1 ratio. Finally 40 % ethanol (1:10 ratio with a set) was applied to prepare tincture through a traditional maceration method. The obtained tincture was analyzed for its color, quantity of biologically active compounds, dry residue, and absorption coefficient using an optimal particle size of samples, volume of the extractive liquid and tincture yield.
Tincture from the set of herb and root of Paeonia anomala L. was prepared using 3 methods, namely, by the traditional maceration; intensified maceration using the ultrasonic bath processing with 45 kHz at an ambient temperature; constant shaking in a heat of 30o-40oC. Conclusion The more optimal and effective method for preparing tincture from Paeonia anomala L. has been found to be the ultrasonic bath processing with 45 kHz for 6 h at an ambient temperature. Crude drug mixture of 2 mm sizes with 40% ethanol (where volume absorption coefficient was accounted to be 2.8) was mixed at a ratio of 1:10. In the obtained tincture, total phenols were determined as 0.58±0.003% in gallic acid equivalent and total monoterpene glycosides as 1.96±0.002% in paeoniflorin, which were the highest compared to other methods, indicating the method is the more optimal one.

Introduction: It is important to standardize a tincture prepared from the herb and root of Paeonia anomala L, which is widely used as a sedative in traditional medicine, based on the results of the studies its chemical composition, biological and pharmacological activities. Moreover, there is a need to carry out a quantitative stability testing in order to establish the ability to maintain quality under certain storage condition, shelf-life and to develop suitable packaging information. Materials and methods: Standardization parameters of prepared Paeonia anomala tincture have been evaluated according to WHO guidelines for the determination of crude drug material, plant preparations and finished products technical parameters, along with the Mongolian National Pharma- copoeian (MNP) and Russian XIV Pharmacopoeian methods for tincture. The color of a tincture, dry residue, special density, alcohol content, and microbiological content were determined according to the methods described in MNP. A qualitative analysis of biological active constituents has been evaluated by thin-layer chromatography, the total phenolic compounds were determined by the reaction with Folin Chicalteu reagent and total monoterpene glycosides by the reaction with hydroxylamine in alkaline solution and ferric (III) chloride following spectrophotometric examination, respectively.
The stability testing study was performed according to the “General requirements for the stability testing study of drug-active compounds” MNS-6439-2014 using the real-time methods for the standardization parameters of the tincture. Conclusions The standardized parameters of tincture prepared from the herb and root of Paeonia anomala L. were approved by the National Reference Laboratory for Food Safety analysis. Consequently, the Mongolian pharmacopoeian article on Paeonia anomala tincture was officially permitted under the number ҮФӨ-0327-2017.
The stability study of tincture was carried out according to the MNS-6439-2014 by real-time tests for 24 months which provided that the changes in tincture quality were within the permitted limits. Consequently, it can conclude that the storage condition and shelf-time of Paeonia anomala tincture are 2 years under not above 25°С.

Oral hygeine status of children with henoch-schonlein purpura (HSP) disease Backround: Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) disease is an inflammatory disease in which capillaries, venules, and arterioles are dominated by microvessels due to the accumulation of Ig-A immunity in the walls. Eighty percent of children with HSP have chronic infections such as chronic tonsillitis, otitis media, dental caries, and gingivitis.1-8 However, no research has yet been conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of tooth decay in children with Shenlein-Genoch disease, and to assess gingivitis and oral hygiene. Materials and methods: The survey was conducted from 50 children with the HSP from the Department of Cardiovascular Connective Tissue Pathology of Pediatric Consultant Polyclinic of the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and was conducted in using cross-sectional survey accordance with the number 07- 2021/3, Principles of the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences and, the results of the study were processed using the statistical software SPSS 25. Results: The prevalence of tooth decay among children with HSP was high at 95% for mixed dentition and 100% for each stage of primary and permanent dentition, while the intensity of tooth decay was 7,304.64 (caries+ fillings+extraction/ tooth) during primary dentition, 7,303.46 (caries+fillings / tooth) + (caries+fillings+extaction / tooth) during mixed dentures and 11,294.13 (caries+fillings+extraction / tooth) during permanent dentition. It is noteworthy that the level is very high at all.In the study of children with gingivitis, 50% of them had gingivitis with primary dentition, 60.9% with mixed dentition, and 58.8% with permanent dentition. The proportion of healthy children without gingivitis was 50% for primary dentition, 39.1% for mixed dentition, and 41.2% for permanent dentition. The proportion of “good” condition in the study was 30% for primary dentition, 39.1% for mixed dentition, 35.3% for permanent dentition. The “mean” rate was highest for 70% for primary dentition, 56.5% for mixed dentition and 58.8% for permanent dentition. The “insufficient” rate was 4.3% for mixed dentition and the lowest for 5.9% for permanent dentition. Conclusions: 1. The prevalence of tooth decay among children with HSP was high at 95% for mixed dentition and 100% for each stage of primary and permanent dentition, while the intensity of tooth decay was 7,304.64 (caries+ fillings+extraction/ tooth) during primary dentition. 7.303.46 (caries+ fillings+extraction/ tooth)+ ( caries+ fillings+extraction/ tooth) during mixed dentition and 11.294.13 (caries+ fillings+extraction/ tooth) for permanent dentition means that all of the level is at high intensity. 2. In the study of children with gingivitis, 50% of them had gingivitis with primary teeth, 60.9% with mixed teeth, and 58.8% with permanent teeth. The proportion of healthy children without gingivitis was 50% for primary dentition, 39.1% for mixed dentition, and 41.2% for permanent dentition. However, there is a statistically significant result (p <0.001) of the more increase in tooth plaque of poor oral hygiene the more increase in gingivitis. 3. The proportion of “good” condition in the study was 30% for primary dentition, 39.1% for mixed dentition, 35.3% for permanent dentition, the “mean” rate was 70% for primary dentition, 56.5% for mixed dentition and 58.8% for permanent dentition. The “insufficient” rate was 4.4% for mixed dentition, or the lowest for 5.9% for permanent dentition. There were no statistically significant differences (p> 0.05) between oral health and the HSP status of the children in the study. According to the results of the survey, it is observed that the oral health status among the respondents is insufficient.