Resources associated with the academic retention of student-mothers during COVID-19 at a vocational training institution in Colombia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54674/ess.v37i1.1009
Keywords: : School dropout; salutogenesis; educational policy; student-mothers

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to describe and analyze the health assets referenced by student mothers at a job training centre in Colombia during the COVID-19 lockdown and their effect on academic retention. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilizing phenomenological design and incorporating focus groups, along with the LEGO Education methodology. The results highlight that collective, institutional, and individual assets were the primary sources of support that pregnant students or mothers of children under 6 years of age identified as necessary to continue their training during lockdown. The discussion suggests that if pregnant women or women with children up to 6 years of age received institutional support, such as curricular flexibility and more inclusive educational policies, from academic communities adopting a salutogenic approach during their education, student dropout rates among this population could be avoided.

Author Biographies

Ivonne Buitrago Gutiérrez, Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, Bogota, Colombia

Social communicator-journalist, specialist in organizational communication, and master in education. I have worked in public relations and digital marketing for private companies in the health sector. Currently, I work as a teacher of communication and language at the Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, focusing on academic writing for students of medicine, nursing, and master of public health. Author of the book “How to Start Writing Research” and thesis advisor.

Soledad De La Cruz H., Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA), Fusagasugá, Colombia.

Bacteriologist and clinical laboratorian with a master's in public health, technologist in local government, and postgraduate degree in management, planning, administration, and social development in health, with specializations in marketing technologies and online business models and human talent management by competencies methodology. With 34 years of professional experience in management and pedagogical and strategic contexts in public health, health administration, and health care for public and private entities.

Francisco Moreno C., Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, Bogota, Colombia.

Social communicator-journalist with an emphasis in organizational communication and a master's degree in public health. Experienced in the creation of communication strategies oriented to the cultural, educational, and health sectors, and also in the creation of multimedia and multiplatform content. Currently, he works as a communications analyst, teacher, and researcher in public health at the Juan N. Corpas University Foundation in Bogota, Colombia.

Gloría L. Quiroz H., Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, Bogota, Colombia.

Physician and general surgeon with specializations in quality auditing and health services management, business management, and a master's in public health. With 30 years of healthcare and administrative experience in the health sector, in public and private companies in Colombia. She is currently a researcher in public health at the Juan N. Corpas University Foundation.

Juan C. Correa, Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, Bogota, Colombia.

Physician with a master's in public health and business administration, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and project management in public health, environmental health, and epidemiology. He has worked in academic, governmental, and NGO institutions in Colombia and the United States as a leader of community interventions, prevention programs, and evaluation of public policies. He is currently a professor and researcher in public health at the Juan N. Corpas University Foundation in Bogota, Colombia.

Published
2025-06-30
How to Cite
Buitrago Gutiérrez, I., De La Cruz H., S., Moreno C., F., Quiroz H., G. L., & Correa, J. C. (2025). Resources associated with the academic retention of student-mothers during COVID-19 at a vocational training institution in Colombia. Higher Education and Society Journal (ESS), 37(1), 43-59. https://doi.org/10.54674/ess.v37i1.1009
Issue
Vol 37 No 1 (2025): Gender and intersectionality at university: Inequalities, policies and transformations
Section
Articles Thematic Dossier

Copyright (c) 2025 Ivonne Buitrago Gutiérrez, Soledad De La Cruz H., Francisco Moreno C., Gloría L. Quiroz H., Juan C. Correa

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