Introduction:Evidence on drug-related problem severity and injection-related harm among people using psychoactive substances in Mongolia is limited, particularly in institutional settings. We examined DAST-28 scores, internal consistency, and behavioral correlates in psychiatric and correctional settings. Methods:This multicenter cross-sectional study included 181 participants recruited from the National Center for Mental Health and correctional facilities. The continuous DAST-28 total score was the primary outcome. Internal consistency was evaluated from 28 item responses. A clinically specified seven-covariate linear model with HC3 heteroskedasticity-robust standard errors was primary; ordinal and study-defined DAST-28 ≥ 12 models were supportive analyses. Results:DAST-28 scores were available for 179 participants (median 11.0, interquartile range 6.0-16.0). Among 170 participants with complete item responses, Cronbach's alpha was 0.882 (95% bootstrap confidence interval 0.854-0.902). In the primary model, correctional setting was associated with a 1.82-point lower score (95% CI -3.36 to -0.28), whereas each additional year of use (B = 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.45), polysubstance use (B = 2.64, 95% CI 0.79-4.50), and any syringe use (B = 4.43, 95% CI 2.58-6.28) were associated with higher scores. Ordinal and threshold analyses were concordant; variance inflation factors ranged from 1.05 to 1.59. Conclusions:Greater DAST-28 scores were associated with polysubstance use, syringe use, and longer use duration in these institutional samples. The findings may inform comprehensive assessment and harm-reduction linkage but do not establish a diagnostic cutoff, causal relationship, intervention effectiveness, or population prevalence.
Objectives Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes viral hepatitis worldwide. Several HEV genotypes have been reported in human and animal populations, and camel-associated HEV genotype 8 has been detected in Bactrian camels. This study aimed to determine anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig) G seroprevalence and associated risk factors among camel herders and non-herders in Dornod Province, eastern Mongolia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024–2025 among 276 participants, from three districts of Dornod Province, including 146 camel herders and 130 non-herders. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Sociodemographic, dietary, health, and environmental data were collected using structured questionnaires. Associations between HEV seropositivity and risk factors were analyzed using univariable logistic regression. Results Overall, 43 (15.6%) of 276 participants were positive for anti-HEV IgG. Seroprevalence was similar among camel herders and non-herders, with 23 (15.8%) of 146 camel herders and 20 (15.4%) of 130 non-herders testing positive. This difference was not statistically significant (χ² test, P = 0.933; Fisher’s exact test, P = 1.000). Higher seropositivity was observed among older participants, particularly, those aged ≥ 60 years, and among participants who regularly consumed raw camel milk. Lower educational level and district of residence were also associated with HEV seropositivity. Conclusion Previous HEV exposure is present among residents of Dornod Province, Mongolia; however, seroprevalence did not differ significantly between camel herders and non-herders. Because this study was based on anti-HEV IgG detection only, the infecting HEV genotype could not be determined, and the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of HEV-8 infection specifically. Further molecular studies are needed to identify circulating HEV genotypes and clarify transmission pathways in pastoral communities.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) poses a serious challenge because immune suppression substantially increases the risk of progression to active disease. In Mongolia, where TB incidence is high, little is known about LTBI prevalence and risk factors among PLHIV. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LTBI and identify risk factors for LTBI in Mongolia. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using secondary data from the AIDS/STI Surveillance and Research Department of the National Centre for Communicable Diseases between September 2023 and January 2024. A total of 196 PLHIV without active TB were screened using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed with chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of LTBI was 39.3% (77/196). Interruption of antiretroviral therapy was significantly associated with (odds ratio, 27.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.04-252.2). The history of TB contact was also associated with high risk (P=0.047). Viral load level and duration of HIV infection were not significantly associated with LTBI. Conclusion: These findings indicate that LTBI prevalence among PLHIV in Mongolia is high, comparable to other high-burden settings. Ensuring continuous ART use, implementing systematic LTBI screening, and expanding preventive therapy are critical to reduce progression to active TB and to strengthen TB/HIV control efforts.
Understanding country-specific demographic and occupational factors is crucial in optimizing silica exposure control measures. This study investigated demographic and occupational factors associated with silicosis in workers in gold mines in Mongolia. This cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2024 at two private gold mining companies in Mongolia's western regional provinces. In total, 147 participants completed pre-administered questionnaires. Silicosis was diagnosed by chest X-rays, which were interpreted based on the International Labour Organization classification system. Associations between risk factors and silicosis were evaluated with logistic regression. The prevalence of silicosis was 16.3% (24 cases). Participants aged 30-39 years were at significantly higher risk than other age groups (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-21.97). Those engaged in loading explosives and blasting had a 5.3-fold increased risk compared with those performing other tasks (95% CI 1.28-22.32). High cumulative exposure to dust, defined by longer working years and daily exposure hours, was strongly associated with silicosis (adjusted OR 5.52, 95% CI 1.19-25.52). Use of N95 masks did not demonstrate a statistically significant protective effect. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced silica exposure control measures. Possible measures include limiting working hours and cumulative exposure durations, and implementing engineering controls (e.g., ventilation and water suppression systems) to reduce airborne silica levels, especially for those engaged in loading explosives and blasting. Such interventions are important in reducing the burden of silicosis in the Mongolian gold mining industry.
On March 18, 2025, the National Center for Communicable Diseases received reports of acute gastroenteritis among employees at a remote mining company in Omnogovi Province, Mongolia. We investigated this outbreak to identify the likely source, characterize its transmission, and recommend control measures. Utilizing a retrospective case-control design, we interviewed employees regarding their symptoms, restaurant visits, and menu exposures between March 14 and 17. A confirmed case was defined as gastrointestinal illness with Salmonella spp. detected in a rectal swab specimen. We tested clinical, retained-food, environmental, and water samples from Restaurants A, B, and C. Food-specific odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Of 204 surveyed employees, 68 (33.3%) reported gastrointestinal illness, and 30 (14.7%) satisfied the confirmed case definition. Symptom onset among cases clustered from March 16 to 19, peaking on March 17. Confirmed cases were reported among patrons of Restaurants A (n = 9), B (n = 15), and C (n = 6). Several menu items served from March 14 to 16 were associated with confirmed cases, including kimbap at Restaurant A (OR: 118.2; 95% CI, 11.22–6,245); millet porridge with milk (OR: 40.02; 95% CI, 3.25–2,241), steamed dough soup with garlic (OR: 33.19; 95% CI, 4.79–407), broccoli soup at Restaurant B (OR: 16.08; 95% CI, 2.05–196.8); and dessert at Restaurant C (OR: 16.68; 95% CI, 1.00–1,089). Salmonella spp. was detected in 12 prepared-food samples and on a wooden meat-cutting board, and Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated from clinical specimens. Escherichia coli was also detected on food-contact surfaces. The diverse food associations across multiple restaurants, coupled with environmental contamination, strongly suggest cross-contamination within the shared catering system. This highlights the critical need for enhanced food safety management in remote mining-camp catering operations.
