Factors influencing the performance of Colombian nursing students in the SABER PRO tests

Introduction: Academic performance in standardized evaluations serves as a critical indicator of educational quality and the conditions that surround the formative process of students. The present study aims to analyze the factors that affect the performance in the quality examination of higher education (SABER PRO) of students of the Nursing career in the Republic of Colombia. Methodology: The study employs a descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective research design. An analysis was conducted on the results obtained in the SABER PRO tests of 16,983 students during the 2016–2019 period. Results: The students who participated in the SABER PRO test had a mean age of 24.80 years (SD=4.91), and the majority were female, without ethnic identification, single, and employed. The Written Communication and Citizenship Competence modules received the highest and lowest ratings, respectively. The national average of nursing students' performance in the different modules was low. Conclusion: The variables that were associated with superior performance included being younger, residing in an urban area and in a permanent place, having a scholarship, computer, and internet access, and not having dependents. The study offers valuable insights to inform the development of student support and equity policies in higher education.