1.Preliminary findings on the level of noise pollution along Ulaanbaatar roads
Myagmarjargal N ; Unurzaya E ; Myagmagdorj Ch ; Altangerel B ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2026;217(3):43-51
Introduction:
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that noise pollution leads to a variety of
short-term and long-term health issues, including sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases,
impaired concentration, decreased performance at work and school, and hearing difficulties.
It has been established that for every 10 dB increase in environmental noise, the incidence
of heart attacks among individuals aged 65 and older increases by 3.9% compared to those
living in quieter environments (Seidler, et al., 2016). Furthermore, it has been found that
noise pollution exceeding 65 dB is directly related to hypertension among residents living
along high-traffic roads.
Objective:
To assessing traffic load and noise pollution on the roads of Ulaanbaatar
Materials and Methods:
The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted to determine noise pollution at 15
locations along roads such as Sun Road, Peace Avenue, Ard-Ayush Street, and Ikh Toiruu.
Measurements were taken during morning (7-9 AM), afternoon (12-2 PM), evening (5-7 PM),
and night (11 PM-1 AM) using a Noise Meter, Sound Level Meter, and portable equipment.
Measurements were conducted at one point 100-200 meters from the main road, with three
repetitions to assess hearing levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-24
software, and the results were compared to the Air Quality Technical General Requirements
MNS 4585:2016 standard (During the day (07:00-22:00), 60 dB(A), and at night (22:00
07:00), 45 dB(A)).
Results:
The measurement results revealed that the maximum noise value in the morning (7-9 AM)
was 83 dB(A), the minimum noise value was 51 dB(A), and the average of the maximum
noise values was 74.1±4.7 dB(A). The maximum noise value during the day was 97 dB(A),
the minimum noise value was 47 dB(A), and the average of the maximum noise value was
74.4±6.9 dB(A). In the evening, the maximum noise value was 88 dB(A), the minimum noise
value was 47 dB(A), and the average of the maximum noise value was 74.4±6.6 dB(A). For
the night measurements, the maximum noise value was 86 dB(A), the minimum noise value
was 49 dB(A), and the average of the maximum noise value was 69.4±7.7 dB(A).
When calculating the average noise pollution on weekdays and weekends, the average of
the max and min values during the morning, evening, and night on weekdays was 0.59-4.33
dB(A) higher than that of the weekend. The average maximum value during the day on
weekends was 2.79 dB(A) higher than that of weekdays. The number of vehicles participating
in road traffic showed a strong positive correlation with environmental noise (Rxy=0.660,
p=0.0001), and the number of times the horn was sounded also revealed strong positive
correlation with environmental noise (Rxy=0.674, p=0.029).
Conclusion
The noise level along the main roads exceeds the permissible limits set by the
"Air Quality. Technical General Requirements MNS 4585:2016" standard by 37 dB(A) during
the day and by 41 dB(A) at night. The average maximum value during the day exceeds the
standard by 14.6 dB(A). This indicates that Ulaanbaatar is experiencing noise pollution at
levels that negatively affect the health of the urban population.
2.Assessment result of maintain a proper hand hygiene conditions in healthcare facilities of Mongolia
Bolor B ; Batdulam D ; Nasantogtokh S ; Myagmardorj Ch ; Myagmarjargal M ; Unurzaya E ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Enkhjargal A ; Tsegmed S
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2025;211(1):28-35
Introduction:
Safe and accessible WASH services in healthcare facilities are crucial for maintaining high
quality care, especially for maternal and newborn health. The WHO-UNICEF JMP on Water
Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene provides reports on progress in water supply, sanitation,
and hygiene services at global, regional, and national levels, covering populations, schools,
and healthcare facilities. This assessment was conducted to address the insufficient data on
the level of hand hygiene services in healthcare facilities, following the methodology of the
JMP.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 319 healthcare facilities. Availability of hand hygiene
services in the study healthcare facilities was assessed using questionnaire of methodology
of the JMP. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software. Relevant parametric and non
parametric statistical analysis were conducted.
Results:
Overall, 72% and 28% of healthcare facilities had basic and limited hand hygiene service
respectively. About 18% of private healthcare facilities had limited hand hygiene service
compared to 34% of state healthcare facilities. While 20% of urban healthcare facilities had
limited hand hygiene service, 56% of rural healthcare facilities do. When examining the
level of hand hygiene services by type of medical care, specialty hospitals have 100% basic
services. Among primary care facilities, 83% of family health centers provide basic services,
while 41% of soum and village health centers meet these standards.
Conclusion
The basic hand hygiene services in urban healthcare facilities and specialty hospitals were
generally sufficient. There need to enhance basic hand hygiene service at the soum and village level. Among the assessed facilities, 81.0% met four out of the five key hand hygiene
requirements outlined in the national standard. However, additional budget allocation for
maintenance and operational costs for keeping soap and sustaining water running remains
crucial to ensure sustained compliance and quality.
3.Some findings on health issues linked to noise pollution in Ulaanbaatar city
Unurzaya E ; Mygmarjargal N ; Altangerel B ; Mygmardorj Ch ; Enhjargal A ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2025;212(2):42-51
Introduction:
According to the WHO, being exposed to loud noise for a long time can be very harmful
to health. It can lead to heart and blood vessel problems, mental health issues, trouble
sleeping, and hearing loss. Noise pollution has a negative effect on the brain and nervous
system, and it can cause many problems. High-frequency noise, in particular, can disturb the
central nervous system. This can lead to problems like poor concentration, more anxiety, and
feeling mentally tired. Many studies around the world have shown that noise levels of ≥85 dB
at work increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.In Ulaanbaatar,
environmental noise pollution continues to grow due to population growth, construction, and
urban planning. Therefore, it is important to find out whether environmental noise pollution is
linked to mental and behavioral disorders, insomnia, nervous fatigue, high blood pressure,
and hearing loss among the population.
Goal:
The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of primary hypertension (I10), nervous
fatigue (F48.0), sleep disorders (F51.0), and tinnitus (H83.3) caused by environmental noise
among the population of Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive research design was applied to examine statistical data from the Center for
Health Development regarding diseases related to noise pollution. Based on the 10th revision
of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the study focused on conditions such
as neurasthenia (F48.0), non-organic sleep disorders (F51), primary hypertension (I10), and
hearing disorders (H83.3). The analysis included data recorded between 2014 and 2023
among the population of Ulaanbaatar city. Epidemiological analysis was performed using
SPSS-24 software, and the results were calculated per 10,000 population.
Ethical Considerations:
This study did not receive any external funding or financial support from public or private
organizations. It utilizes secondary data from the Health Development Center, which does
not contain any personal information.
Results:
In 2014, the average age of individuals diagnosed with neurasthenia (F48.0) was 40.1±12.6
years; for non-organic sleep disorders (F51.0), it was 48.1±14.5 years; for noise-induced
hearing disorders (H83.3), 47.2±12.7 years; and for primary hypertension (I10), the average
age was 59.0±11.4 years. By 2023, the average age for primary hypertension had slightly
decreased to 58.0±12.9 years. Since 2014, the number of cases of nervous fatigue, non
organic sleep disorders, and hearing problems caused by noise has risen in Ulaanbaatar.
In 2023, the average age of people with primary hypertension (I10) dropped to 58.0±12.9
years. Noise-related illnesses are common among people aged 40 to 60 in Ulaanbaatar, and
this is lowering their quality of life.
Conclusion
Noise-related illnesses are being recorded among the 40–60 age group in Ulaanbaatar,
which is negatively affecting their quality of life. It is urgently necessary to introduce
measures for adequate protection of the population from the negative health effects of
environmental noise.
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail