Colombian University Students Research Articles

Emerging Methodologies and Humanized Theoretical Learning: An Explanatory Study with Colombian University Students

This work is based on the conviction that university teaching must cultivate mind and sensitivity at the same time. With this in mind, a non-experimental explanatory study was designed that involved all 819 students enrolled in a Psychology program in Montería (Córdoba, Colombia), who answered a Likert-type questionnaire previously validated by experts and with reliability α = 0.75. The statistical analysis, carried out in SPSS 20, showed that the incorporation of emerging methodologies – in particular Scrum and Kanban adapted to classroom projects, gamified activities and student-centred dynamics – was associated with appreciable increases in students' perception of flexibility, autonomy and motivation, in addition to facilitating the integration between theory and practice. In light of these findings, guidelines are proposed that combine conceptual rigor with experiential experiences to train professionals in the area capable of working with ethical responsibility and social empathy. In summary, the evidence suggests that emerging methodologies not only enrich theoretical learning, but also humanize the educational experience by promoting collaborative, reflective and sensitive environments to the needs of the contemporary context.

Digital immersion technologies transform agricultural learning: a study of interactive educational platforms among rural Colombian university students

ABSTRACT Background Traditional agricultural education in rural contexts demonstrates limitations in student engagement and knowledge retention. Studies suggest virtual reality (VR) implementation may enhance educational outcomes in resource-constrained environments. Purpose This investigation examines how VR-mediated instruction affects academic performance, engagement, and attitudes among rural Agricultural Science undergraduates in Colombia. Design and method The study employed a quantitative experimental design with 250 undergraduate students across three Colombian universities. The experimental group (n = 125) utilized VR technology and AgriSphere software for soil nutrient management education, while the control group (n = 125) received traditional instruction over 14 weeks. Data collection included pre-test/post-test assessments, engagement measurements, and attitudinal surveys. Results Statistical analysis demonstrated significant improvement in academic performance for the experimental group compared to traditional instruction (experimental M = 85.0, SD = 8.5; control M = 80.0, SD = 9.0; t(248) = 2.90, p = 0.004, d = 0.63). The VR group exhibited higher engagement levels and more positive attitudes toward agricultural education. However, technical infrastructure limitations presented implementation challenges in some rural contexts. Discussion The findings indicate VR-mediated instruction effectiveness for agricultural education in rural settings. Given increasing emphasis on technology-enhanced learning, this study provides empirical evidence for educational technology integration in rural tertiary education. Future research should address technical infrastructure requirements and broader geographical applications.

Influence of the quality of remote education on the satisfaction of Colombian university students

Background: In the global context of increasing reliance on remote education, driven by diverse circumstances, examining how its quality influences student experience and satisfaction is imperative. Such analysis is crucial for identifying areas of improvement and ensuring that remote education aligns with the standards required for effective learning. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the quality of remote education on student satisfaction at a higher education institution in Colombia. Methods: This research employs a quantitative approach with a non-experimental design, utilizing convenience sampling to survey 520 undergraduate students from a public university. Data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and Spearman correlation.

Self-perceived happiness and its relationship with emotional intelligence, spiritual experience, altruism, and PERMA profile in a sample of Colombian university students

Introduction: Considering the increase in mental health problems in the young population, it is very important to focus attention on understanding the phenomenon of self-perceived happiness and the factors associated with it. Objective: To investigate self-perceived happiness in a sample of university students and their relationship with emotional intelligence, daily spiritual experience, altruistic values and behaviors and PERMA profile. Method: This was a quantitative, nonexperimental, correlative-scope, cross-sectional study with a sample of 165 students from three Colombian universities, with an average age of M 25.6 (DT 3.8).

Construct validity of the PHQ-9 in university students in Colombia: A Rasch analysis approach

Construct validity of the PHQ-9 in university students in Colombia: A Rasch analysis approach

Factorial Invariance of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in Mexican and Colombian University Students.

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric equivalence of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in university students from Mexico and Colombia. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used in five public and private universities in both countries, with a sample of 861 university students (40% men and 60% women), whose average age was 20.55 years (SD = 2.72). A six-point version of the SWLS was employed. Through confirmatory factor analysis, a unidimensional structure of the SWLS was identified in both samples, with adequate fit indices in both countries. Additionally, the factorial invariance analysis confirmed the metric and configural equivalence of the model, indicating that the factorial structure and factor loadings are comparable between both populations. The results support the use of the SWLS to assess life satisfaction in the context of university education in Mexico and Colombia.

Factorial validation and invariance of the Academic Procrastination Scale in Colombian students

BackgroundAcademic procrastination is an increasingly pertinent issue among university students, impacting their academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being. However, brief assessment tools for timely intervention are scarce, especially in the Colombian context. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the academic procrastination scale and analyze its relationship with mental health and life satisfaction. MethodsA total of 805 Colombian university students were selected through convenience sampling. Their ages ranged from 17 to 35 years, with an average age of 20.4 years (SD = 3.0). ResultsThe findings reveal a modified two-factor structure of the scale, with adequate fit indices (χ2 = 65.65, df = 13, p < .001; CFI = .96, TLI = .93, RMSEA = .07 (90% CI .06 − .09), SRMR = .03) and loadings above .50. Furthermore, both factors of the scale exhibited high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients greater than .80. The scale was also found to be gender invariant. Lastly, academic procrastination correlates positively with mental health and negatively with life satisfaction, while mental health relates negatively to life satisfaction.ConclusionThe Modified Academic Procrastination Scale (EPA-C) demonstrates adequate psychometric properties and is gender-invariant for assessing academic procrastination among Colombian university students. Moreover, it has an impact on the mental health and life satisfaction of these students.

Social Distance and Affection: A Negative, Negative Correlation

Altruistic behavior is a function of social distance, but why do individuals put others at a particular distance? Social distance is a multidimensional concept, and affection is one of its dimensions. This study evaluated whether there is a negative correlation between social distance and an affection rating. As the affection report allowed the participants to give negative valuations to the people on the list, the study also evaluated whether participants gave negative values to distant people. Colombian University students and young professionals created a social distance list with a variation of the open-field procedure. Then, they gave the people on the list an affection rating between -100 and 100. We found a negative correlation between the positions on the social distance list and the affection ratings. Participants gave affection similarly to how most participants in social discounting research give money, discounting hyperbolically. Furthermore, some participants gave negative affection ratings to distant people on the list. Affection partially explains why individuals put others on a social distance list in different positions.

Cultural Adaptation and User Satisfaction of an Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Program for Depression and Anxiety Among College Students in Two Latin American Countries: Focus Group Study With Potential Users and a Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study With Actual Users.

To scale up mental health care in low-resource settings, digital interventions must consider cultural fit. Despite the findings that culturally adapted digital interventions have greater effectiveness, there is a lack of empirical evidence of interventions that have been culturally adapted or their adaptation documented. This study aimed to document the cultural adaptation of the SilverCloud Health Space from Depression and Anxiety program for university students in Colombia and Mexico and evaluate user satisfaction with the adapted program. A mixed methods process was based on Cultural Sensitivity and Ecological Validity frameworks. In phase 1, the research team added culturally relevant content (eg, expressions, personal stories, photos) for the target population to the intervention. In phase 2, potential users (9 university students) first evaluated the vignettes and photos used throughout the program. We calculated median and modal responses. They then participated in focus groups to evaluate and assess the cultural appropriateness of the materials. Their comments were coded into the 8 dimensions of the Ecological Validity Framework. Phase 3 consisted of choosing the vignettes most highly rated by the potential users and making modifications to the materials based on the student feedback. In the final phase, 765 actual users then engaged with the culturally adapted program and rated their satisfaction with the program. We calculated the percentage of users who agreed or strongly agreed that the modules were interesting, relevant, useful, and helped them attain their goals. The potential users perceived the original vignettes as moderately genuine, or true, which were given median scores between 2.5 and 3 (out of a possible 4) and somewhat identified with the situations presented in the vignettes given median scores between 1.5 and 3. The majority of comments or suggestions for modification concerned language (126/218, 57.5%), followed by concepts (50/218, 22.8%). Much less concerned methods (22/218, 10%), persons (9/218, 4.1%), context (5/218, 2.3%), or content (2/218, 0.9%). There were no comments about metaphors or goals. Intervention materials were modified based on these results. Of the actual users who engaged with the adapted version of the program, 87.7%-96.2% of them agreed or strongly agreed that the modules were interesting, relevant, useful, and helped them to attain their goals. We conclude that the adapted version is satisfactory for this population based on the focus group discussions and the satisfaction scores. Conducting and documenting such cultural adaptations and involving the users in the cultural adaptation process will likely improve the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions in low- and middle-income countries and culturally diverse contexts.

The Influence of Emotional Competencies on the Entrepreneurship Intentions of University Students in Colombia

The main objective of this article is to analyze the effect of a group of predictors on entrepreneurial intention from the perspective of emotional competencies. To achieve this aim, a sample of 996 students belonging to ten public and seven private universities was selected, with each university having been granted high-quality accreditation by the Colombian Ministry of Education. The theoretical approach was based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the empirical analysis was based on structural equation models. Eight hypotheses were tested, with entrepreneurial intention as the dependent variable and emotional competencies, subjective norms, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial attitude as independent variables. The information was obtained by applying a questionnaire with a Likert scale to students of subjects related to entrepreneurship. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that in the two ecosystems analyzed (public and private), emotional competencies (EC) have neither a direct influence on entrepreneurial intention (EI) nor an indirect one since no significant influence is observed between emotional competencies and entrepreneurial attitude; however, a direct and positive effect was recorded between the self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitude constructs on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, it is observed that subjective norms (SN) do not directly affect EI, but they do influence it indirectly, being mediated by entrepreneurial attitude and self-efficacy. The contribution of this study is focused on obtaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Colombia, which will make it possible to foster strategies for the generation of youth employment and public policies to promote various entrepreneurial initiatives. This could be based on government regulations adopted in the last decade, which are still under development, and the broad participation of university students and research groups of higher education institutions. Furthermore, given the dearth of research examining the impact of emotional competencies on the entrepreneurial intentions of young Colombian university students, this study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap, thereby contributing to the development of a more robust body of literature that can inform the design and implementation of educational strategies and public policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the university ecosystems of this country.

Factors Associated with Food Waste Among University Students in Colombia

(1) Background: Globally, millions of tons of food are wasted annually, with a significant portion occurring at the household level. This study aimed to quantify food waste generated by university students and identify key factors associated with this behavior. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community trial involving 227 Colombian university students. Participants self-reported their daily food waste (grams per person per day), as categorized by food type, which was collected through an online-based questionnaire under prior training. The data were analyzed using a binomial regression model to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (PRaj) and identify associations between food waste and demographic variables. (3) Results: Of the participants, 63% were women, with a mean age of 20.4 ± 3.8 years. Overall, 65% (n = 148) reported food wastage. The average food waste per person per day was 22.6 ± 15.5 g, increasing to 94.0 ± 5.0 g among those who reported wastage. Significant associations were found between food waste and several factors: Among those with a higher prevalence of food waste were women (PRaj = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.89); students from rural areas (PRaj = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.67); and those with higher income levels, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.68) for those earning 1–2 Minimum Legal Monthly Wages (LMMW) and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.93) for those earning 3+ LMMW. Household size and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with food waste (p &gt; 0.05). (4) Conclusions: On average, the population generates 8.25 kg of food waste per person per year, rising to 34.31 kg among those who report wasting food. Gender, geographic location, and income were key predictors of daily food waste.

Entrepreneurial intention among Colombian university students: A theory of planned behavior analysis in Colombia

Studies on entrepreneurship have used several approaches, among which, research on entrepreneurial intention (EI) can be highlighted. Studies on EI help researchers better understand entrepreneurial behavior. In this sense, one of the most relevant frameworks in EI studies is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which stands out for its predictive capacity, mainly in a university context. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between the variables of Personal Attitudes (PAs), Subjective Norms (SNs), and Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) with respect to the EI of university students in Colombia. For this purpose, we constructed a model that integrates the elements of the TPB with EI with reference to the validated instrument of the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Student's Survey (GUESSS) project applied to a sample of 12,383 students. The estimation of the model uses structural equations (SEMs) by means of Partial Least Squares-Path Modelling (PLS-PM). The findings show that PAs and PBC are determinants of EI, while SNs have no direct influence; however, their effects are indirect. These results have implications for how to promote entrepreneurship in emerging economies through the university environment. The results indicate that the development of students' capabilities is essential for entrepreneurship and its incorporation into the university's knowledge transfer model.

Entrepreneurial intention and gender: a comparative analysis of environmental and personality factors in Colombian university students

ABSTRACT The objective is to examine the relationship between environmental and personality factors and management skills and career intentions for those with entrepreneurial intentions, with a particular focus on the comparison between men and women among university students in Colombia. The study used data from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Student’s Survey (GUESSS) project, which surveyed 12,383 university students in Colombia. The relationships between two exogenous variables (environment and personality) and three endogenous latent variables (management capacity, career intention, and entrepreneurial intention) were estimated using structural equations (SEMs) with PLS-PM. The findings suggest that personality traits do not affect managerial ability or career intention. However, the environment has a positive and direct influence on both. In terms of gender, female Colombian university students exhibited the highest levels of career and entrepreneurial intention. This highlights the importance of family and university environments to developing entrepreneurial skills and abilities.

Forgiveness Psychoeducation with Emerging Adults: REACH Forgiveness and Community Campaigns for Forgiveness

Much attention has been devoted to the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions in children and adolescents featuring two premier programs by Enright and his colleagues. Little attention has been given to psychoeducational forgiveness interventions with emerging adults. This is a narrative review of REACH Forgiveness studies with emerging adults (ages 18–25). The life tasks of emerging adults justify offering psychoeducational interventions to emerging adults. Research studies on REACH Forgiveness (k = 17), non-REACH Forgiveness studies (k = 4), and community campaigns at universities (k = 4) with emerging adults are summarized. Effect sizes per hour (d/h) for REACH Forgiveness studies (k = 13 for psychoeducational groups; k = 4 for self-administered workbooks) are reported. The proto-REACH groups (k = 5) had mean d/h = 0.104; REACH groups (k = 9) had d/h = 0.101; self-administered workbooks (k = 3) had mean d/h = 0.15; non-REACH Forgiveness studies (k = 4) had d/h = 0.09. All studies were from the USA, and most were from universities. However, a recent article reported randomized controlled trials in five non-USA samples of adults (N = 4598). A 3.34-h workbook had d/h = 0.16, suggesting that the workbook might be effective with emerging adults around the world. Finally, three USA Christian universities had public health immersion campaigns to promote forgiveness, and a community psychoeducational campaign in 2878 secular university students in Colombia (of ~9000 total) allowed choices among 16 psychoeducational activities. The number of activities used was proportional to forgiveness experienced. For forgiveness, d = 0.36 plus substantial reductions in depression and anxiety, indicating strong public health potential of forgiveness psychoeducation in emerging adults worldwide.

Information Consumption Habits of Young Colombian University Students

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Multidimensional Emotional Disorder Inventory: reliability and validity in a Colombian non-clinical sample

BackgroundContemporary diagnostic frameworks in the realm of mental health have garnered criticism due to their categorical paradigm. Given the propensity of emotional disorders to manifest overlapping features, these frameworks fall short in comprehensively encapsulating their intricate nature. As a strategic response, Brown and Barlow introduced an innovative composite approach, amalgamating dimensions and categorical classifications, to adress this concern. Their strategic implementation hinged on the Multidimensional Emotional Disorder Inventory (MEDI), a transdiagnostic self-report instrument. Objective: this study undertakes the task of refining and validating the applicability of the MEDI within a non-clinical sample of Colombian university students (n = 808).MethodsThis study employed Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) to explore the structure of the measure. Results: ESEM suggested that the 8-dimension model with 48 items was the best-fitting solution, aligning with most dimensions identified by the original MEDI validation. Reliability was adequate for almost all dimensions (α: 0.69 – 0.92). An 8-dimension model with 48 items emerged as the most fitting solution, aligning with most dimensions identified by the original MEDI validation.ConclusionThe ensuing validation and contextual adaptation of the MEDI for use in the Colombian population augments the transdiagnostic evaluation of emotional disorders, with potential implications for enhanced stratification of targeted therapeutic interventions. By optimizing the assessment of both dimensional and cross-diagnostic paradigms, the MEDI portends a noteworthy impact in realms encompassing both academic inquiry and clinical practice.

Reliability and Validity of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Spanish Version in University Students.

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) scale in Colombian university students. This was a methodological study to verify reliability and construct validity. A total of 763 undergraduate university students in Cali, Colombia, agreed to participate in the study by filling out a form that included information on sociodemographic characteristics and the HPLP-II scale Spanish version. Data were collected between February and June 2021. To determine construct validity, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed, and internal consistency was determined through Cronbach's alpha. The confirmatory factor analysis of the proposed theoretical model showed that the goodness-of-fit indices of the scale demonstrated an acceptable level of validity nearing an excellent level of fit (χ2 = 7168.98; gl = 1268; p < 0.001; root mean square error of approximation = 0.08; normed fit index, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.95). Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.94, and the subscales ranged from 0.68 to 0.89. The HPLP-II Spanish version is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the health-promoting lifestyle profile of university students.

Decoding Entrepreneurial Minds: Key Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Decisions of University Students. A Case Study at a Colombian University

This article examines the characteristics of entrepreneurial university students in Colombia and the determining factors for initiating a business. A systematic literature review and a survey of 491 students from a Colombian university were conducted, utilizing the Random Forest algorithm for analysis. The findings highlight that education, life experiences, socioeconomic factors, and psychological aspects impact the decision to undertake entrepreneurial endeavors. Women predominate among entrepreneurs, and motivation, recognition of competencies, and risk aversion are crucial. It is suggested to allocate resources to motivate students with entrepreneurial potential, focusing on those in the fifth and seventh semesters, aged 20 to 39, and exhibiting leadership traits. The research underscores the importance of educational programs and awareness initiatives to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering successful entrepreneurship among university students in developing countries. This study contributes valuable information for the formulation of effective strategies in educational institutions and comprehends the factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions.

Predictive model of suicide risk in Colombian university students: quantitative analysis of associated factors

IntroductionThe risk of suicide and completed suicides among young university students presents critical challenges to mental and public health in Colombia and worldwide. Employing a quantifiable approach to comprehend the factors associated with these challenges can aid in visualizing the path towards anticipating and controlling this phenomenon.ObjectiveDevelop a predictive model for suicidal behavior in university students, utilizing predictive analytics.MethodWe conducted an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, and analytical research study at the University of Manizales, with a focus on predictive applicability. Data from 2,436 undergraduate students were obtained from the research initiative “Building the Future: World Mental Health Surveys International College Students.”ResultsThe top ten predictor variables that generated the highest scores (ranking coefficients) for the sum of factors were as follows: history of sexual abuse (13.21), family history of suicide (11.68), medication (8.39), type of student (7.4), origin other than Manizales (5.86), exposure to cannabis (4.27), exposure to alcohol (4.42), history of physical abuse (3.53), religiosity (2.9), and having someone in the family who makes you feel important (3.09).DiscussionSuicide involves complex factors within psychiatric, medical, and societal contexts. Integrated detection and intervention systems involving individuals, families, and governments are crucial for addressing these factors. Universities also play a role in promoting coping strategies and raising awareness of risks. The predictive accuracy of over 80% in identifying suicide risk underscores its significance.ConclusionThe risk factors related to suicidal behavior align with the findings in specialized literature and research in the field. Identifying variables with higher predictive value enables us to take appropriate actions for detecting cases and designing and implementing prevention strategies.

Environmental awareness of university students in Colombia

The objective of this article was to evaluate the level of environmental awareness of university students in a peripheral region of southern Colombia. Environmental awareness was approached as a multidimensional variable consisting of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. The study was quantitative, approached from the deductive method and descriptive type. The study population corresponded to young university students, and a non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used. For the environmental awareness variable, an instrument was developed with a Likert-type scale based on multiple research studies. The sample consisted of 527 university students. The reliability of the study was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability, while validity was analyzed with mean variance explained and confirmatory factor analysis, being in all cases satisfactory. As a result, modest levels of environmental awareness were evidenced in all dimensions, which is particularly worrying as most of the young people surveyed were between 18 and 25 years old, indicating low interest, knowledge, and availability for environmental issues among future professionals of the South Colombian region. The results were in line with certain results found in similar research reported in the literature. Nevertheless, the situation is worrisome because young students are the new generation of citizens. Acknowledgment This article was written within the framework of the Special Cooperation Agreement No. 230 of 2023 signed between the Universidad Surcolombiana and the Corporación Autónoma Regional del Alto Magdalena CAM in the project “Implementation of the SENDICAM Science Center as a strategy for the recognition, conservation and social appropriation of the natural heritage in the central and southern area of the department of Huila” BPIN 2021000100425.