Introduction: Inula helenium L. is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Mongolian and Tibetan medicine. Its roots and rhizomes contain active compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone and isoalantolactone), inulin, flavonoids, and essential oils, with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. This study evaluates the quality of Inula helenium L. roots and quantifies their key active compounds in accordance with pharmacopoeial standards. Methods: The roots of Inula helenium L. cultivated in the Medicinal Plant Botanical Garden of Monos Group were used as raw material. Physicochemical parameters, including moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and extractive values, were determined according to pharmacopoeial methods. Qualitative analysis was carried out using color reactions for polysaccharides and thin-layer chromatography for the identification of sesquiterpene lactones. Quantitative analysis was performed using spectrophotometry for total polysaccharides and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of alantolactone and isoalantolactone. Conclusion The physicochemical parameters of Inula helenium L. root were standardized, with total inulin content determined as 47.13±0.45%, alantolactone as 1.41±0.02%, and isoalantolactone as 1.33±0.02%. Analytical methods for inulin, alantolactone, and isoalantolactone were validated according to ICH Q2(R2) guidelines, confirming the possibility of updating the MNS standard or developing a manufacturer’s pharmacopoeial monograph based on these validated methods.

Introduction: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used to treat liver and biliary disorders, including neonatal jaundice. In neonatal practice, UDCA administered orally (10–30 mg/kg/day, divided doses) shortens phototherapy duration and reduces serum total bilirubin. A suspension dosage form may mask bitter taste, improve dissolution and bioavailability, and is not currently registered in Mongolia. To develop and evaluate suspension formulations of UDCA and to identify an optimal composition and manufacturing technology. Methods: UDCA drug substance was characterized according to the European Pharmacopoeia (EP 11.0). Five suspension formulations (A1–A5) were prepared using wet-milling (size-reduction) technology and appropriate excipients. Physical, chemical and microbiological quality attributes of the suspensions were assessed per the United States Pharmacopeia (USP 2021) and microbiological methods of the Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (GOST 2018). Assays were performed by validated chromatographic methods; measurements were performed in triplicate (n=3).
The UDCA raw material met pharmacopeial specifications and was suitable for use. All five formulations were uniform and free of agglomerates by visual inspection. Formulation A5 met USP acceptance criteria for pH (4.5 ± 0.02), sedimentation volume (0.91 ± 0.20 mL), density (1.14 ± 0.005 g/cm3), viscosity (1583.5 ± 0.38 mPa·s), fill volume (150 ± 0 mL) and active substance content (96.6 ± 0.05%), and complied with microbiological limits. Other formulations failed one or more quality attributes (notably pH, assay or sedimentation). Conclusion The UDCA raw material complied with pharmacopeial quality standards. Among tested variants, formulation A5 satisfied critical quality attributes for a stable suspension and was identified as the optimal formulation with respect to composition and manufacturing process.

Background: The core competencies for the Bachelor’s program in Health Social Work were first developed in 2016. In 2023, the core competencies were revised in collaboration with international experts through the Fulbright Specialist Program. The updated framework includes nine general and 40 sub-competencies, with an emphasis on training social workers to provide person-centered, integrated services within the health sector. There is a need to further improve the current undergraduate curriculum by aligning with the updated core competencies. Aim: This study aimed to assess the alignment between the current undergraduate health social work curriculum and the revised core competencies. Through program mapping, we sought to identify overlaps, gaps, and areas for improvement that will inform future curriculum development. Materials and Methods: We employed content analysis and program mapping to evaluate 30 course curricula from the Health Social Work program. The selected courses included 6 General Foundation, 9 Professional Foundation, 12 Specialization, and 3 Field Practice courses. Each course’s learning objectives—categorized into knowledge, skills, and attitudes—were assessed against the revised competencies at three levels: Introducing, Applying, and Mastery. NVivo 14 software was used for data analysis. Result: Of the nine core competencies, three were well-integrated across the curriculum: (1) Assessment and (2) Intervention of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations; and (3) Engage diversity and difference in practice. Conversely, competencies related to the evaluation of practice and policy engagement were underrepresented. Among the 40 sub-competencies, 11 were either missing or insufficiently addressed in the curriculum. Program mapping revealed that 38% of the courses addressed competencies at the Introducing level, 60% at the Applying level, and only 2% at the Mastery level. Learning outcomes in Professional Foundation and Specialization courses generally demonstrated a progression from introductory to applied learning. Conclusion 1. The revised core competencies are broadly aligned with the current curriculum. However, key areas—particularly evaluation of practice and engagement in policy practice—require further integration. 2. The curriculum also leans heavily toward introductory and applied levels, with limited opportunities for students to achieve mastery. Future curriculum revisions should focus on strengthening these underrepresented areas and enhancing learning outcomes at the mastery level.

Background: It is widely recognized that expenditures for medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and assistive devices for families with children with disabilities place a significant financial burden on household budgets, often making it difficult to meet basic daily needs. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in countries with well-developed economic and social service systems to examine how disability affects family financial stability. Additionally, there is growing evidence on the relationship between financial burden and quality of life among families raising children with disabilities. Aim: To determine the correlation between financial strain and family quality of life (FQOL) among families raising children with disabilities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2024 and 2025, involving 735 caregivers from both urban (Ulaanbaatar) and rural areas, recruited through governmental and non-governmental organizations. Data were collected using measures of average household income, the proportion of household income spent on disability-related expenses, self-reported financial burden, and the standardized Family Quality of Life questionnaire developed by Hoffman (2006), which includes five domains. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were performed. Result: The average household income of participants was 2,905,277.16±2,141,515.84 MNT. Families with children diagnosed with epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorders spent a higher proportion of their annual income on related expenses. Each unit increase in the frequency of financial burden was associated with a 0.22-point decrease in overall family quality of life (p<0.001). Furthermore, a one-unit increase in the proportion of household income spent on child-related treatment and services was associated with a decrease in physical and material well-being by 0.007 points (p<0.001) and overall family quality of life by 0.003 points (p=0.037). Conversely, a 100,000 MNT increase in household income was associated with an increase in family quality of life scores (B=0.00249; p<0.001). Conclusion Household income and the proportion of income spent on disability-related expenses are significant factors influencing quality of life. Financial stress experienced by families with children with disabilities negatively affects family quality of life.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease associated with multiple organ complications and an increased risk of hospital readmission. Hospital discharge planning is essential for coordinating continuity of treatment, self-management, and family and social support. However, evidence regarding the implementation of discharge planning for patients with diabetes and its associated challenges in Mongolia remains limited. Aim: To identify the implementation, process, and challenges associated with discharge planning for patients with diabetes and multi-organ complications at the Mongolian-Japan hospital of the MNUMS. Materials and Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted at the Mongolia–Japan Hospital of MNUMS, focusing on its hospital discharge planning service. Purposive sampling was used to recruit seven healthcare professionals: a health social worker, a dietitian, two endocrinologists, a diabetes specialist nurse, a clinical pharmacist, and a deputy director responsible for clinical affairs. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and document analysis of the hospital’s internal discharge planning procedure and three multidisciplinary team meeting protocols. Interview data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis approach. Findings from the three data sources were compared using a thematic matrix. Ethical approval was obtained from the MNUMS Ethics Review Committee (Decision No. 25-26/01-02, September 2025). Results: Five major themes were identified: (1) risk-based multidisciplinary collaboration; (2) gaps in legal, policy, and standardization frameworks; (3) financing and health insurance constraints; (4) limitations in human resources and professional capacity; and (5) weaknesses in post-discharge follow-up and family support. Risk assessment and multidisciplinary case discussions for high-risk patients were documented; however, meetings were irregular, and follow-up on decisions was inconsistent. The absence of unified regulations, inter-institutional information exchange, and feedback mechanisms hindered continuity of care. Financial barriers to consultations, care services, medicines, and medical supplies limited patients’ ability to follow recommendations. Workload and shortages of specialized personnel further constrained implementation. Post-discharge follow-up lacked standardized timelines, frequency, and case-closure criteria. Comparison of 15 subthemes across the three data sources identified six areas of convergence, eight complementary findings, and one divergence. The meeting protocols concerned patients without diabetes and were therefore used as supplementary evidence of general institutional practice. Conclusion Although core discharge planning processes and multidisciplinary collaboration have been established at the Mongolia–Japan Hospital, gaps remain in regulatory frameworks, financing, human resources, post-discharge follow-up, and inter-institutional coordination. Discharge planning should be strengthened as a continuous process integrating post-discharge care and family support.

Background: In recent years, the use of social networking sites has rapidly increased, enabling people to communicate more efficiently, quickly, and effectively, as well as to access and share information in real time. Accordingly, various research tools and measurement instruments have been developed to assess the impact of social media on individuals’ daily lives. However, most of these instruments primarily focus on the duration and frequency of use, failing to comprehensively capture the true influence of social media. Therefore, there remains a need to evaluate social media use more broadly. Aim: Determine the reliability and validity of the Social Media Use Scale among adolescents. Material and Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 students aged 12–17 years (mean age 15.1±3.6), including 43.7% male and 56.3% female participants. The study assessed the reliability and validity of the Mongolian version of the Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS). Construct validity was examined using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The Mongolian version of the Social Media Use Integration Scale revealed two subfactors (eigenvalue > 1.0). In the principal component analysis, all 10 items showed sufficient factor loadings (≥ 0.4) with no cross-loading items (<0.4). Structural regression analysis indicated positive and significant effects among the subfactors (B=0.42–0.82). The reliability of the validated questionnaire was acceptable, with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.6. Conclusion The Mongolian version of the Social Media Use Integration Scale demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability and can be appropriately used to assess adolescents’ electronic media use. Further studies are recommended to test the reliability of this instrument among other population groups.

Sleep fulfills the vital physiological needs of the human body. However, 45 percent of the world’s population suffers from sleep problems.
In this article, Sugmel 3 tan /prescription/ widely used in traditional medicine for insomnia was selected and biologically active compounds and pharmacological activities of the plants included in the prescription were reviewed. Essential oils from fruits of Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep and Cuminum cyminum L. are considered to relax the body and mind to improve a night of sleep. Pharmacological and clinical studies of piperine isolated from Piper longum L. fruits demonstrated that the compound possessed anti-depression-like activity and cognitive enhancing effect.

Introduction: Since 1993, the Inula helenium L. plant has been planted in the production area (Bulgan Province, Dashinchilen Sum) of the Traditional Hatchery Science and Production Corporation’s medicinal plant introduction and cultivation experience. At the Drug Research Institute, there is also a botanical institute for medicinal plants where it is grown. In traditional Mongolian medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Inula helenium L. are used to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, enhance hunger, and improve intestinal motility. Inula helenium L. roots and rhizomes contain biologically active compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Methods: The roots and rhizomes of Inula helenium L. were extracted with water and 70% ethanol at the following ratios 1:10 (2% of WAC), 1:8, and 1:6 by partial maceration at 700C for 2 hours each, extracted and concentrated. The dry extract was obtained by the spray drying procedure. High-performance liquid chromatography for determining the content of alantolactone, thin-layer chromatography for qualitative analysis. Spectrophotometer for determining the content of polyphenolic compounds, colored compounds with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent for qualitative analysis. Spectrophotometer for determining the content of inulin, and colored compounds with phenol and sulfuric acid solutions for qualitative analysis. Conclusion In determining the content of polyphenolic compounds, inulin, and alantolactone in the dry extract taken from the roots and rhizomes of cultivated Inula helenium L., the content of polyphenolic compound in dry extract A was 2.50±0.08%, and alantolactone was 1.39±0.11% in the raw material of the plant, while B dry the extract had a high concentration of inulin of 58.51±0.66%.

Background: It is stated in the Government Programme of 2016-2020 that public servants, including health care workers, shall be given a gradually increased salary based on their skill, dexterity, workload, and productivity, and such increase started from 2018 as planned. In the health sector of our country, regarding demand and regulation of the programme, the change shall be made that the system for median salary of physicians and overall staff employed at hospitals gets even constructive, and the required human resource for the sector shall be prepared. Thus, inferring from these claims, median salary, real wage, and socioeconomic condition are in critical need for further evaluation. Objective: To examine the current socio-economic condition of health care workers, and to study the influencing factors at play. Methods: In this study, we used quantitative and qualitative methods. In the survey, we involved 655 health care workers from 6 family health centers, 2 district hospitals, 3 health centers (district-based) in Songinokhairkhan, Sukhbaatar, and Baganuur districts; and Provincial hospital, regional diagnosis and health center, 16 soum health centers from Khovd, Uvs, Arkhangai, Bulgan, Khentii, Dornod, Umnugovi, and Dornogovi provinces, along with 3 National specialized health centers and 1 National central hospital. As for data gathering for the qualitative analysis, 30 focus group interviews and 47 key informant interviews were conducted for the purpose of examining socioeconomic condition, real wage sufficiency of health care workers. Results: Average household income of study participants was 1,880,269 tugrik, the real wage was 1,073,065 tugrik, and the overall household is seen to be composed of 2 different sources on average, namely, self-wage and the income coming from family members or supplement of Child Money Programme. It has come to notice that 19.5% of the participants have lower than average living standard, 89.2% have 2 different loans (mortgage, auto loan or mobile application based loans). Material deprivation index is seen to be 2.73, hence deemed as insufficient. In order to increase the real wage of those workers, it shall be taken into consideration that the basic salary is low, and some financial supplements need to be given. Furthermore, the performance based funding system of health sector is seen to be in need of improvement. Conclusion Real wage of the health care workers is, thus, insufficient. The fact that one in every five workers in this sector have lower than average living standard, and the material deprivation index is 2.73 implying that the financial lives of health care workers are immensely fragile.

Background: Psychosocial work environment predicts a range of health risks including sickness absence, poor self rated health, and depression. Objective: To identify association between psychosocial work environment and health related indicators among health care workers in Mongolia Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April, 2023. 655 health care workers from Ulaanbaatar city and 4 aimags were involved. Psychosocial work environment was assessed by the Effort-reward imbalance model. As for the health related indicators, we used the SF-12 questionnaire and sickness absence report. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.
The study was approved by Medical Ethics Review Committee on January 18, 2023 (#23/02). Results: 1 in every 2 health care workers experience effort-reward imbalance at work and rated their health as poor. In average, 32.7 percent of the study participants took 16.6 sick days for the last 1 year. The study identified poor physical (44.7±8.6) and mental health functioning (42.1±9.8) among study participants. Physical functioning was lower among nurses whereas mental health functioning was lower among physicians. Conclusion Poor health related indicators among health care workers are associated with adverse psychosocial work environment such as effort-reward imbalance and high effort and low reward