A cross-sectional study of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on domestic violence-related oral and maxillofacial injuries.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 lockdown, more domestic violence-related traumas were reported. In this study, we investigated and compared the incidence of domestic violence-related injuries-in particular oral and maxillofacial injuries-in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on 3974 domestic violence cases registered at the Public Health Department, National Traumatology and Orthopedics Research Center of Mongolia between 2018 and 2022. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. The victims were categorized according to their age (child, adult, and elderly). RESULTS: The mean age of the victims was children 9.7 ± 5.4 years, adults 34.8 ± 8.3 years, and elderly 64.3 ± 8.7 years. Binary logistic regression analysis (no/yes) showed that oral and maxillofacial injuries during the lockdown increased 1.3 times (OR = 1.3; CI 95% = 1.0-1.6; p = .003) in adults and 2.5 times in children (OR = 2.5; CI 95% = 1.7-3.9; p = .001). Additionally, injuries to upper limbs increased 4.6 times (OR = 4.6; CI 95% = 3.5-6.1; p = .001) in adults and 5.2 times in elderly patients (OR = 5.2; CI 95% = 1.8-16.2; p = .01). Additionally, thorax injury in children increased 3.1 times (OR = 3.1; CI 95% = 1.7-5.7; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: During the lockdown, injury to oral and maxillofacial regions increased in adult and child victims of domestic violence.

Factors associated with recurrence in patients with oral cancer in Mongolia.

INTRODUCTION: In Mongolia, there has been limited research on the posttreatment survival rate, recurrence, and occurrence of oral cancer. The goal of this study is to investigate the risk factors that contribute to the recurrence of oral cancer to increase survival rates, facilitate early detection, and improve treatment accuracy. METHOD: A retrospective cohort method was used, with medical records from 173 patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia's Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Radio, and Chemotherapy between 2012 and 2017. The Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences' Research Ethics Committee approved the project. RESULTS: The findings revealed that 109 cases (63.0%) were men and 64 (37.0%) were females, with a large proportion of patients (28.3%) falling between the ages of 61 and 70. Men had a 3.8 times higher risk of cancer recurrence than women (OR = 3.79, CI = 1.24-11.57). Furthermore, lymph node metastases and treatment were linked to oral cancer recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study offers light on the factors that influence the recurrence of oral cancer, giving useful insights for improving patient outcomes through early detection and proper treatment.

Factors influencing the 5-year survival rate of oral cancer patients in the Mongolian population: a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: The high mortality rate of head and neck cancers, particularly oral cancer, poses a significant health challenge in developing nations such as Mongolia. This retrospective survival analysis study was conducted to identify factors influencing the 5-year survival rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Methods: The study analyzed data from 173 patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma, including multiple variables such as age, gender, residence, education, tobacco and alcohol consumption, oral health indicators, family history, precancerous conditions, cancer characteristics, treatment, rehabilitation, cancer recurrence, and 5-year survival. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and STATA was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study revealed a 5-year survival rate of 50.3% for oral cancer patients, with a survival rate of 38% for tongue cancer patients. Age, residence, cancer stage, and cancer recurrence were identified as significant survival predictors. Compared to those aged 60 or younger, the hazard ratio (HR) for patients aged 61 or older was 1.52. Survival was associated with female gender (HR = 0.47, CI = 0.29-0.77). Urban residence was associated with decreased survival (HR = 1.92, CI = 1.22-3.05). Significantly worse survival was associated with the presence of cancer recurrence (HR = 1.99, CI = 1.15-3.04). Oral cancer patients in stage IV had a fourfold higher risk of mortality compared to those in stage I (HR = 4.08, CI = 1.2-13.84). Conclusion: This research highlights the influence of age, urban habitation, and cancer recurrence on oral cancer survival. Age, urban residence, and cancer recurrence were all associated with decreased survival, whereas cancer at stage IV substantially increased the risk of death. The significance of early detection, treatment, and active surveillance to identify oral cancer at an early stage is highlighted by these findings. Compared to industrialized nations, Mongolia's lower oral cancer survival rates emphasize the need to increase public awareness and education. A comprehensive approach is required to improve oral cancer patient survival rates and quality of life, including emphasizing early detection through active surveillance, implementing preventive measures, and advancing cancer education initiatives.