Demographic and socioeconomic characterization of university mothers at UNAN-Managua, CUR-Matagalpa, Nicaragua

Abstract

This article addresses the problems faced by university mothers, a group that combines the demands of motherhood with academic commitments, in a context often marked by economic conditions, limited availability of family or institutional support, and unshared domestic responsibilities. The main objective was to demographically and socioeconomically characterize this population in terms of age, marital status, socioeconomic level and support networks. A descriptive study was carried out, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional approach. The universe was made up of student mothers of the Regional University Center (CUR) Matagalpa, professionalization courses, with a purposively selected sample, including those who were active students during the first semester 2024. A structured survey and a focus group were used for data collection, both aimed at university mothers. Among the main findings, it is highlighted that these students face multiple barriers related to child care, the overload of domestic responsibilities and the limited availability of support networks, which affects their educational performance and permanence; it was also evidenced that, despite their academic commitment, these students face a high vulnerability to dropout, as a result of the lack of university policies adapted to their reality. These results underscore the urgent need to implement inclusive institutional strategies that guarantee equal conditions and promote their permanence and academic success.