Perception of Complementary Medicine and Treatment Adherence as Predictors of Self-Efficacy in Individuals with Chronic Conditions in Mexico.

Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and obesity are significant global health challenges, contributing to millions of premature deaths. In Mexico, these pose major challenges due to limited access to healthcare and inadequate primary care quality. Complementary medicine presents itself as an adjuvant in this context, offering minimally invasive techniques to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, effective treatment adherence is crucial for positive outcomes, influenced by self-efficacy, resulting in persistently low adherence rates-a pressing public health concern. This observational study aimed to explore how perceptions of complementary medicine and treatment adherence predict self-efficacy among individuals with chronic diseases in Mexico. Data were collected from 113 participants with chronic conditions, including T2DM, HTN, and obesity. Participants completed surveys assessing perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Statistical analyses, including correlations and regression, were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. The study revealed significant correlations between the perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Treatment adherence was positively associated with self-efficacy, while perception of holistic medicine was negatively correlated with self-efficacy. Perception of complementary medicine and adherence to treatment were found to predict 41.9% (p = 0.001) self-efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of complementary therapies in enhancing self-efficacy levels, and highlight the importance of holistic healthcare approaches in managing chronic conditions. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships and their implications for healthcare outcomes in Mexico and beyond.

Epithelial aPKC deficiency leads to stem cell loss preceding metaplasia in colorectal cancer initiation.

The early mechanisms of spontaneous tumor initiation that precede malignancy are largely unknown. We show that reduced aPKC levels correlate with stem cell loss and the induction of revival and metaplastic programs in serrated- and conventional-initiated premalignant lesions, which is perpetuated in colorectal cancers (CRCs). Acute inactivation of PKCλ/ι in vivo and in mouse organoids is sufficient to stimulate JNK in non-transformed intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), which promotes cell death and the rapid loss of the intestinal stem cells (ISCs), including those that are LGR5+. This is followed by the accumulation of revival stem cells (RSCs) at the bottom of the crypt and fetal-metaplastic cells (FMCs) at the top, creating two spatiotemporally distinct cell populations that depend on JNK-induced AP-1 and YAP. These cell lineage changes are maintained during cancer initiation and progression and determine the aggressive phenotype of human CRC, irrespective of their serrated or conventional origin.

Chronic Stress Exposure Alters the Gut Barrier: Sex-Specific Effects on Microbiota and Jejunum Tight Junctions.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Of individuals with MDD, 30% to 50% are unresponsive to common antidepressants, highlighting untapped causal biological mechanisms. Dysfunction in the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been implicated in MDD pathogenesis. Exposure to chronic stress disrupts blood-brain barrier integrity; still, little is known about intestinal barrier function in these conditions, particularly for the small intestine, where absorption of most foods and drugs takes place. Methods: We investigated how chronic social or variable stress, two mouse models of depression, impact the jejunum intestinal barrier in males and females. Mice were subjected to stress paradigms followed by analysis of gene expression profiles of intestinal barrier-related targets, fecal microbial composition, and blood-based markers. Results: Altered microbial populations and changes in gene expression of jejunum tight junctions were observed depending on the type and duration of stress, with sex-specific effects. We used machine learning to characterize in detail morphological tight junction properties, identifying a cluster of ruffled junctions in stressed animals. Junctional ruffling is associated with inflammation, so we evaluated whether lipopolysaccharide injection recapitulates stress-induced changes in the jejunum and observed profound sex differences. Finally, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, a marker of gut barrier leakiness, was associated with stress vulnerability in mice, and translational value was confirmed on blood samples from women with MDD. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that chronic stress disrupts intestinal barrier homeostasis in conjunction with the manifestation of depressive-like behaviors in a sex-specific manner in mice and, possibly, in human depression.

Enhanced SREBP2-driven cholesterol biosynthesis by PKCλ/ι deficiency in intestinal epithelial cells promotes aggressive serrated tumorigenesis.

The metabolic and signaling pathways regulating aggressive mesenchymal colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression through the serrated route are largely unknown. Although relatively well characterized as BRAF mutant cancers, their poor response to current targeted therapy, difficult preneoplastic detection, and challenging endoscopic resection make the identification of their metabolic requirements a priority. Here, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of SCAP by the atypical PKC (aPKC), PKCλ/ι promotes its degradation and inhibits the processing and activation of SREBP2, the master regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis. We show that the upregulation of SREBP2 and cholesterol by reduced aPKC levels is essential for controlling metaplasia and generating the most aggressive cell subpopulation in serrated tumors in mice and humans. Since these alterations are also detected prior to neoplastic transformation, together with the sensitivity of these tumors to cholesterol metabolism inhibitors, our data indicate that targeting cholesterol biosynthesis is a potential mechanism for serrated chemoprevention.

Comparación entre la morbilidad y la mortalidad por COVID-19, asociada a factores de riesgo metabólicos en población no indígena e indígena de México / Comparison between morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, associated with metabolic risk factors in non-indigenous and indigenous populations of Mexico

Introducción. La investigación sobre la pandemia de COVID-19, se ha estudiado en tiempo real, ha sido y sigue siendo reveladora. Objetivo. Analizar la morbilidad y la mortalidad por COVID-19, asociadas a factores de riesgo metabólicos en población no indígena e indígena de México. Materiales y métodos. Utilizamos la Base Nacional de Datos COVID-19, durante los años críticos 2020-2021- 2022. Se trabajó con 5.380.247 casos que representaron la población total de positivos al SARS-CoV-2. Se analizaron las discrepancias entre las prevalencias de población no indígena, población indígena, defunción y no defunción. Se definió población indígena, con la clasificación oficial de auto-identificación. Se aplicó el modelo de regresión logística para determinar el riesgo de morir para cada variable: enfermedades cardiovasculares, hipertensión, diabetes, obesidad, sexo, edad y condición indígena. El análisis de multicolinealidad se analizó a través de la prueba de asociación Phi para variables dicotómicas y a través del ajuste de Nagelkerke. Resultados. En los positivos totales 99,2% fue población no indígena y 0,8% indígenas, mientras su porcentaje de letalidad fue de 5,8% y 11,1% respectivamente. En ambos grupos, murieron más hombres (61,5%) que mujeres (38,5%) y las edades de mayor defunción fueron 60 a 79 años. La mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares fue la de mayor incidencia, 26,6% en población general y 32,3% en indígena; por diabetes 22,1% y 27,9%; hipertensión 20,0% y 26,7%y la obesidad 11, 3% y 17,4% respectivamente. Los análisis de regresión logística se ajustaron por sexo, edad y condición indígena. El condicionante de mayor riesgo de muerte, fueron las comorbilidades metabólicas y el de menor riesgo, la condición indígena. Conclusiones. El impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 fue más grave cuando hubo padecimientos metabólicos tanto en la población no indígena como en la indígena(AU)

Introduction. Research on the COVID-19 pandemic, studied in real time, has been and continues to be revealing. Objective. To analyze morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, associated with metabolic risk factors in non-indigenous and indigenous populations of Mexico. Materials and methods. We use the National COVID-19 Database, during the critical years 2020-2021-2022. We worked with 5,380,247 cases that represented the total population of SARS-CoV-2 positives. The discrepancies between the prevalence of non-indigenous population, indigenous population, death and non-death were analyzed. The indigenous population was defined, with the official self-identification classification. The logistic regression model was applied to determine the risk of dying for each variable: cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, sex, age and indigenous status. The multicollinearity analysis was analyzed through the Phi association test for dichotomous variables and through the Nagelkerke adjustment. Results. Of the total positives, 99.2% were non-indigenous people and 0.8% were indigenous, while their fatality percentage was 5.8% and 11.1% respectively. In both groups, more men (61.5%) than women (38.5%) died and the ages of greatest death were 60 to 79 years. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases was the one with the highest incidence, 26.6% in the general population and 32.3% in the indigenous population; due to diabetes 22.1% and 27.9%; hypertension 20.0% and 26.7% and obesity 11.3% and 17.4% respectively. Logistic regression analyzes were adjusted for sex, age, and indigenous status. The condition with the highest risk of death was metabolic comorbidities and the lowest risk was indigenous status. Conclusions. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was more serious when there were metabolic disorders in both the non-indigenous and indigenous populations(AU)

Stress effects on spatial memory retrieval and brain c-Fos expression pattern in adults are modulated by early nicotine exposure.

The cognitive effects of nicotine are linked to persistent modifications in extended neural systems that regulate cognitive and emotional processes, and these changes occur during development. Additionally, acute stress has modulatory effects on cognition that involve broad neural systems and can be influenced by prior environmental challenges. The effects of nicotine and stress may be interconnected, leading to modifications in a network of shared brain substrates. Here, we explored the interaction between nicotine and stress by evaluating the effects of acute stress exposure in spatial memory retrieval for animals pretreated with nicotine during adolescence or adulthood. Adolescent (35 days old) and adult (70 days old) male Wistar rats were treated for 21 days with one daily subcutaneous injection of nicotine 0.14 mg/ml (free base). 30 days after the last injection, rats were trained in the Barnes maze and tested 24 h later, half the rats were tested under regular conditions, and half of them were exposed to 1 h of restraining stress before the retrieval test, and brain samples were collected and c-Fos immunopositive cells were stained. Prolonged nicotine withdrawal or acute stress improved spatial memory retrieval. Acute stress in nicotine pretreated adults impaired spatial memory retrieval. Nicotine exposure during early adulthood resulted in long-lasting brain adaptations that amplified emotional responses to acute stress after prolonged drug withdrawal.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and its phytochemicals as anxiolytic; an underreported effect with therapeutic potential: A systematic review.

Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by excessive concern about possible future threats that, if prolonged, becomes a pathology that must be controlled through psychotherapy and medication. Currently, the pharmacological treatment for anxiety involves the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines; however, these treatments often come with adverse effects. Thus, there is a need to seek natural compounds that can help alleviate anxiety and reduce these side effects. On the other hand, pomegranate (PG) fruit is known to have important health benefits, which have been compiled in several reviews. However, its anxiolytic effect has not been thoroughly studied, and clinical research on this topic is lacking. The aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review of studies exploring the anxiolytic-like effect of PG and its phytochemicals. Databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Springer link, Google scholar, Worldwide science, and Web of science were searched for articles using predetermined terms. Inclusion criteria were established, and original articles that met these criteria were selected. The data collected included information on PG part and variety, species, sample size, anxiety model, dose, route and time of administration, reference drug, main results, and the mechanisms of action. Fifty-nine studies were found that reported the anxiolytic-like effect of PG and its phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, and xanthonoids. The literature suggests that the mechanisms of action behind this effect involved the inhibition of the GABAergic receptor, NMDA, CaMKII/CREB pathway; the reduction of oxidative stress, inhibiting TLR4 and nNOS; modulation of cytokines and the expression of NFkB, GAD67, and iNOS, as well as the activation of Nrf2 and AMPK. PG and some of its phytochemicals could be considered as a novel alternative for the treatment of pathological anxiety. This review is the first to document the anxiolytic-like effect of PG.

A gut feeling: The stressed brain drives intestinal inflammation.

Communication between the central nervous system and the periphery contributes to stress responses and mood disorders. In a recent issue of Cell, Schneider et al. report that psychological stress exacerbates gut inflammation and dysmotility by modifying enteric glia and neurons.

Barrier-environment interactions along the gut-brain axis and their influence on cognition and behaviour throughout the lifespan.

Environment is known to substantially alter mental state and behaviour across the lifespan. Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gut barrier (GB) are major hubs for communication of environmental information. Alterations in the structural, social and motor environment at different stages of life can influence function of the BBB and GB and their integrity to exert behavioural consequences. Importantly, each of these environmental components is associated with a distinct immune profile, glucocorticoid response and gut microbiome composition, creating unique effects on the BBB and GB. These barrier-environment interactions are sensitive to change throughout life, and positive or negative alterations at critical stages of development can exert long-lasting cognitive and behavioural consequences. Furthermore, because loss of barrier integrity is implicated in pathogenesis of mental disorders, the pathways of environmental influence represent important areas for understanding these diseases. Positive environments can be protective against stress- and age-related damage, raising the possibility of novel pharmacological targets. This review summarizes known mechanisms of environmental influence - such as social interactions, structural complexity and physical exercise - on barrier composition, morphology and development, and considers the outcomes and implications of these interactions in the context of psychiatric disorders.

Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy on Liver Fibrosis Regression among People with Chronic HCV Infection: Results from a Real-Life Cohort in Patients Who Achieved Sustained Virological Response.

Background and Objectives: The global prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is 0.8%, affecting around 58 million people worldwide. Treatment with DAAs reduces all-cause HCV mortality by 49-68%. This work aims to determine whether there is liver fibrosis regression (LFR) in patients who achieved Sustained Virological Response (SVR) after treatment with DAAs. Materials and Methods: An analytical, observational, single-center, and cohort study was carried out. The final sample consisted of 248 HCV-infected patients. All started treatment with DAAs between January 2015 and December 2017. Five measurements were performed to determine the fibrotic stage in patients (measured in kilopascals (kPa)) using transient elastography (FibroScan®, Echosens, The Netherlands). Results: Taking the baseline fibrotic stage as a reference, the distribution in subgroups was as follows: 77 F4 patients (31.0%); 55 F3 patients (22.2%); 53 F2 patients (21.4%); and 63 F0/F1 patients (25.4%). There were 40 patients (16.1%) with at least one HCV complication and 13 (5.2%) who developed hepatocellular carcinoma. The overall LFR rate was 77.8% (144 of 185 F2/F3/F4 patients, p = 0.01) at the end of the follow-up period. The highest mean FibroScan® values were observed in patients with: "male gender"; "metabolic syndrome"; "subtype 1a"; "NRP DAA"; "at least one HCV complication"; "death from HCV complications"; and "liver transplantation requirement". Conclusions: Treatment with DAAs achieved high rates of LFR and a decrease in mean FibroScan® values in all subgroups.

Modulation of sol mRNA expression by the long non-coding RNA Assolrna in Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum affects solvent formation.

Solvents such as butanol are important platform chemicals and are often produced from petrochemical sources. Production of butanol and other compounds from renewable and sustainable resources can be achieved by solventogenic bacteria, such as the hyper-butanol producer Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum. Its sol operon consists of the genes encoding butyraldehyde dehydrogenase, CoA transferase, and acetoacetate decarboxylase (bld, ctfA, ctfB, adc) and the gene products are involved in butanol and acetone formation. It is important to understand its regulation to further optimize the solvent production. In this study, a new long non-coding antisense transcript complementary to the complete sol operon, now called Assolrna, was identified by transcriptomic analysis and the regulatory mechanism of Assolrna was investigated. For this purpose, the promoter-exchange strain C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum ΔP asr ::P asr ** was constructed. Additionally, Assolrna was expressed plasmid-based under control of the native P asr promoter and the lactose-inducible P bgaL promoter in both the wild type and the promoter-exchange strain. Solvent formation was strongly decreased for all strains based on C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum ΔP asr ::P asr ** and growth could not be restored by plasmid-based complementation of the exchanged promoter. Interestingly, very little sol mRNA expression was detected in the strain C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum ΔP asr ::P asr ** lacking Assolrna expression. Butanol titers were further increased for the overexpression strain C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum [pMTL83151_asr_P bgaL ] compared to the wild type. These results suggest that Assolrna has a positive effect on sol operon expression. Therefore, a possible stabilization mechanism of the sol mRNA by Assolrna under physiological concentrations is proposed.

Serological Positivity against Selected Flaviviruses and Alphaviruses in Free-Ranging Bats and Birds from Costa Rica Evidence Exposure to Arboviruses Seldom Reported Locally in Humans.

Arboviruses have two ecological transmission cycles: sylvatic and urban. For some, the sylvatic cycle has not been thoroughly described in America. To study the role of wildlife in a putative sylvatic cycle, we sampled free-ranging bats and birds in two arbovirus endemic locations and analyzed them using molecular, serological, and histological methods. No current infection was detected, and no significant arbovirus-associated histological changes were observed. Neutralizing antibodies were detected against selected arboviruses. In bats, positivity in 34.95% for DENV-1, 16.26% for DENV-2, 5.69% for DENV-3, 4.87% for DENV-4, 2.43% for WNV, 4.87% for SLEV, 0.81% for YFV, 7.31% for EEEV, and 0.81% for VEEV was found. Antibodies against ZIKV were not detected. In birds, PRNT results were positive against WNV in 0.80%, SLEV in 5.64%, EEEV in 8.4%, and VEEV in 5.63%. An additional retrospective PRNT analysis was performed using bat samples from three additional DENV endemic sites resulting in a 3.27% prevalence for WNV and 1.63% for SLEV. Interestingly, one sample resulted unequivocally WNV positive confirmed by serum titration. These results suggest that free-ranging bats and birds are exposed to not currently reported hyperendemic-human infecting Flavivirus and Alphavirus; however, their role as reservoirs or hosts is still undetermined.

Redox-sensitive signaling pathways in renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urological cancers, highly resistant to chemo and radiotherapy. Obesity and smoking are the best-known risk factors of RCC, both related to oxidative stress presence, suggesting a significant role in RCC development and maintenance. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for localized RCC; however, this neoplasia is hardly diagnosable at its initial stages, occurring commonly in late phases and even when metastasis is already present. Systemic therapies are the option against RCC in these more advanced stages, such as cytokine therapy or a combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with immunotherapies; nevertheless, these strategies are still insufficient. A field poorly analyzed in this neoplasia is the status of cell signaling pathways sensible to the redox state, which have been associated with the development and maintenance of RCC. This review focuses on alterations reported in the following redox-sensitive molecules and signaling pathways in RCC: mitogen-activated protein kinases, protein kinase B (AKT)/tuberous sclerosis complex 2/mammalian target of rapamycin C1, AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3/ß-catenin, nuclear factor κB/inhibitor of κB/epidermal growth factor receptor, and protein kinase Cζ/cut-like homeodomain protein/factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)/HIF as potential targets for redox therapy.

Differential Antinociceptive Efficacy of Peel Extracts and Lyophilized Juices of Three Varieties of Mexican Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in the Formalin Test.

Pharmacological treatment of pain often causes undesirable effects, so it is necessary to look for natural, safe, and effective alternatives to alleviate painful behavior. In this context, it is known that different parts of pomegranate have been widely consumed and used as preventive and therapeutic agents since ancient times. For example, it has been shown to have an antinociceptive effect, however, there are many varieties. Each part has been found to display unique and attractive pharmacological activities. The content of the active phytochemicals in pomegranate depends on the cultivar, geographical region, the maturity, and the processing method. In this context, the effects of various pomegranate varieties and other parts of the pomegranate (e.g., peel and juice) on pain behavior have not been examined. The aim was to evaluate and compare the antinociceptive effect of ethanolic extracts (PEx) and lyophilized juices (Lj) of three varieties of pomegranate in the formalin test. In addition, computer-aided analysis was performed for determining biological effects and toxicity. Peels were extracted with ethanol and evaporated by rotary evaporation, and juices were filtered and lyophilized. Wistar rats (N = 48) were randomly distributed into 8 groups (n = 6) (Vehicle, Acetylsalicylic Acid, PEx1, PEx2, PEx3, Lj1, Lj2, and Lj3). The formalin test (2%) was carried out, which consists of administering formalin in paw and counting the paw flinches for 1 h, with prior administration of treatments. All samples have an antinociceptive effect (phase 1: 2.8-10%; phase 2: 23.2-45.2%). PEx2 and Lj2 had the greatest antinociceptive effect (57.8-58.9%), and bioactive compounds such as tannins and flavonoids showed promising pharmacodynamic properties that may be involved in the antinociceptive effect, and can be considered as a natural alternative for the treatment of nociceptive and inflammatory pain.

Mortalidad por COVID-19 en México y las enfermedades metabólicas durante el año crítico de la pandemia / COVID-19 mortality in Mexico and metabolic diseases during a critical pandemic year

Conocer la asociación específica de las enfermedades metabólicas en la mortalidad por COVID-19, ocurrida en México durante el año crítico de la pandemia de marzo 2020 a marzo 2021. Método. Se utilizó la base nacional de COVID-19 de la Dirección General de Epidemiología. Se analizaron los casos positivos que presentaron las enfermedades metabólicas: cardiovasculares, hipertensión, diabetes y obesidad. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo para conocer la distribución de los casos fallecidos y no fallecidos. Se empleó la prueba de ji cuadrada para la diferencia de las proporciones. Se utilizaron análisis de regresión logística para conocer la asociación entre las enfermedades metabólicas y la mortalidad por COVID-19 en personas positivas al virus SARS-CoV-2. Los datos fueron ajustados por edad y sexo. Resultados. Se observó la asociación de las enfermedades metabólicas en la mortalidad. La diabetes tuvo mayor porcentaje de letalidad 18,4%. Cuando se conjuntaron las enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes el porcentaje de letalidad subió a 31,5%; la conjunción de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, con hipertensión y diabetes fue la de mayor porcentaje de letalidad 38,7%. La obesidad fue la que tuvo menor incidencia. Conclusiones. Las enfermedades metabólicas en México son un problema de salud pública que afectó la mortalidad por covid-19. Es prioritario atender con políticas públicas preventivas y efectivas en favor de un modelo de consumo alimentario sano, acorde con las necesidades nutrimentales de la población(AU)

To know the specific association of metabolic disease on COVID-19 mortality, occurred during the critical year of the pandemic, from march 2020 to march 2021. Method: The Covid-19 national base of the General Directorate of Epidemiology was used. Positive cases of metabolic diseases were analyzed: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. A descriptive analysis was carried out to find out the distribution of deceased and non-deceased cases. The chi-square test was used for the difference in proportions. Logistic regression analysis was used to understand the association between metabolic diseases and COVID 19 mortality in people who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The data were adjusted for age and gender. Results: The association of metabolic diseases on mortality was observed. Diabetes had a higher percentage of lethality 18,4%. When cardiovascular disease and diabetes were combined, the fatality rate rose to 31,5%; the combination of cardiovascular diseases, with hypertension and diabetes was the highest percentage of lethality 38,7%. Obesity had the least incidence. Conclusions: Metabolic diseases in México are a public health problem that affected COVID-19 mortality. It is a priority to deal with preventive and effective public policies in favor of a healthy food consumption model, in line with the nutritional needs of the population(AU)

Abordaje comunitario para la identificación de casos de anemia en gestantes, niños y niñas en tres comunidades del Perú

RESUMEN Introducción: La anemia por deficiencia de hierro afecta el crecimiento y desarrollo cognitivo desde las primeras etapas de vida de ser humano. Es preciso abordar una estrategia comunitaria para detectar oportunamente los casos a fin de garantizar oportunidades de desarrollo integral en las etapas de vida posteriores. Objetivo: Describir un modelo de abordaje comunitario para la detección de casos de anemia en niños y niñas en tres comunidades urbanos marginales del norte del Perú. Metodología: Estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de corte transversal, se tamizaron con equipo de espectrofotometría a 412 personas entre gestantes, niños y niñas menores de 5 años. Además, se aplicaron cuestionarios anónimos para evaluar las determinantes de salud. Se geo ubicaron las viviendas con casos de anemia y se desarrolló un aplicativo informático para el almacenamiento de la información. Resultados: En las comunidades de San José y Salamanca se representaron 3,9 % (16) y 7 % (29) casos de anemia respectivamente y solo 1,7 % (7) casos en los Jardines. Existe una relación significativa entre las comunidades y la aparición de casos de anemia p valor = 0,001; intervalo de confianza IC 95 %. Además, el 9,5 % (39) de los casos de anemia no tenía acceso a ningún programa social. Finalmente, el 83,7 % (345) de tamizados no reportó anemia y estuvo suplementado con micronutrientes. Conclusiones: El modelo comunitario podría ser un referente en la atención primaria de salud como estrategia del determinismo social de los casos de anemia en gestantes, niños y niñas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia affects growth and cognitive development from the first stages of human life. It is necessary to undertake a community strategy to detect cases in a timely manner in order to guarantee comprehensive development opportunities in later life stages. Objective: To describe a community approach model for the detection of cases of anemia in boys and girls in three marginal urban communities in northern Peru. Methodology: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational epidemiological study, 412 people were screened with spectrophotometry equipment, including pregnant women, boys and girls under 5 years of age. In addition, anonymous questionnaires were applied to evaluate the determinants of health. Homes with anemia cases were geo-located and a computer application was developed for storing information. Results: In the communities of San José and Salamanca, 3.9% (16) and 7% (29) cases of anemia were represented respectively, and only 1.7% (7) cases in Los Jardines. There is a significant relationship between the communities and the appearance of cases of anemia p value = 0.001; 95% CI confidence interval. Furthermore, 9.5% (39) of anemia cases did not have access to any social program. Finally, 83.7% (345) of those screened did not report anemia and were supplemented with micronutrients. Conclusions: The community model could be a benchmark in primary health care as a strategy for social determinism in cases of anemia in pregnant women, boys and girls.