Innovation in the treatment of anemia as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive and physical deterioration in adolescents from vulnerable schools

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2482

Keywords:

anemia, altitude, prevalence, normative, geographical correction, diagnosis, public policy, vulnerable areas

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia in adolescents in Latin America is a critical issue, exacerbated by altitude, poverty, and normative barriers. This study examines prevalence rates among adolescents in vulnerable zones across three measurement approaches and assesses the effects of the 2017 and 2024 regulations. Methodology: A quantitative and descriptive design was employed to compare the prevalence of anemia in 804 schoolchildren aged 2 to 14 years in Sachaca, using three measurement approaches (without correction and with the 2017 and 2024 standards) through hemoglobin concentration. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 7.6% without correction, 31.1% with the 2017 standard, and 40.4% with the 2024 standard, highlighting underdiagnosis without adjustment and greater diagnostic sensitivity with the 2024 standard. This emphasizes the need to adjust normative criteria in high-altitude areas. Discussion: The study shows a significant increase in prevalence with the 2024 standard, especially in children aged 5 to 11 years, but does not address the impact on social and institutional perception. Conclusions: Altitude corrections are key to evaluating anemia in high-altitude areas, and the 2024 standard improves detection, underscoring the need to update normative criteria.

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Author Biographies

Cecilia Manrique-Sam, Catholic University of Santa María

Surgeon, National University of San Agustín, Arequipa. Specialist in Clinical Pathology, San Martín de Porras University. PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, National University of San Agustín. Graduate of the Doctorate in Research Sciences, Catholic University of Santa Maria. Master's in Health Education, Catholic University of Santa Maria. Master's degree, with a second Master's degree in Occupational and Environmental Health, Catholic University of Santa Maria. Bachelor's degree in Medicine, National University of San Agustín, Arequipa. Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Santa Maria, Coordinator of the FMH Research Unit, Director of the UCSC Wellness Unit.

Edgar Montánchez-Carazas, Catholic University of Santa María

Doctor of Medicine – Catholic University of Santa María. Master of Biomedical Sciences – Catholic University of Santa María. Surgeon – National University of San Agustín. Second Specialty in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery – National University of San Marcos. Principal Lecturer at the Faculty of Human Medicine. Head of Department at the Faculty of Human Medicine. Founder of the Simulation Center of the Faculty of Human Medicine at UCSM. Founding Member of the Peruvian Society of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery. Full Member of the Peruvian Society of Pulmonology. Member of FLASIC (Latin American Federation of Clinical Simulation) - Member of the ASPEFAM Clinical Simulation Network. Internship with the SAO Beneficencia Portuguesa Team, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Alice Zegarra-Adanaqué, Catholic University of Santa María

Master's degree in Public Health from the Catholic University of Santa Maria. Bachelor's degree in Dentistry from the Catholic University of Santa Maria. Dental Surgeon from the Catholic University of Santa Maria. Oral Rehabilitation Specialist from the Catholic University of Santa Maria. President of the University Social Responsibility Unit of the Faculty of Human Medicine from the Catholic University of Santa Maria. University Professor from the Catholic University of Santa Maria.

Sandra Leonor Apaza Tosocahua de Palma, Catholic University of Santa María

A specialist in Forensic Medicine from the National University of San Marcos, she also trained in Medicine from the National University of San Agustín in Arequipa. She holds a secondary specialty in Administrative Sciences, a master's degree in Public Health (specializing in Medical Auditing) and Occupational Health, as well as diplomas in Comprehensive Auditing, Health Services Management, and Public Management. She is a medical examiner from the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Public Prosecutor's Office in Arequipa, and former head of the Forensic Medical Unit III. She is a member of national committees for expert certification (ISO 17024), forensic thanatology, and institutional accreditation. She teaches Forensic Medicine and Anatomy at the Catholic University of Santa María and has authored specialized articles published in institutional journals.

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Manrique-Sam, C., Montánchez-Carazas, E., Zegarra-Adanaqué, A., & Apaza Tosocahua de Palma, S. L. (2025). Innovation in the treatment of anemia as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive and physical deterioration in adolescents from vulnerable schools. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 11, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2482

Issue

Vol. 11 (2026)

Section

Cover articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Cecilia Manrique-Sam, Edgar Montánchez-Carazas, Alice Zegarra-Adanaqué, Sandra Leonor Apaza Tosocahua de Palma

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