Level of Research Competencies in Nursing Students in Morelos, Mexico

Resumen

Competency is understood as the demonstrated individual capacity to apply knowledge, skills, and personal characteristics to meet specific demands or requirements in a given situation. In the field of nursing, students are expected to demonstrate what they have learned after completing a program. Objective: To evaluate the evolution of research competencies among undergraduate nursing students at a public university in Morelos, Mexico, by academic cycle. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study corresponding to the baseline study of a cohort. The study population consisted of enrolled undergraduate students, who completed a previously validated digital questionnaire. Informed consent was included within the questionnaire. Sampling was by self-selection. The probabilistic sample size was calculated with a correction for a finite population. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata® version 14. Results: The sample consisted of 429 students, 347 (81%) women and 82 (19%) men. No significant differences were observed in the distribution by academic cycle or semester. Likewise, there were no differences in values and attitudes. It was observed that, based on the biological condition of being male or female, differences in basic competencies were marginal in cognitive skills and statistically significant in computational skills, with men showing higher scores. Conclusions: Research competencies should be developed through a theoretical-practical approach, fostering the acquisition of values, knowledge, skills, and attitudes within the nursing training process. Gender differences were identified, primarily in research experience. Finally, specialized competencies should be addressed in greater detail. This study confirms the importance of developing research skills in the university nursing context to strengthen professional practice. It was identified that specialized research competencies (such as Methodology and Research Experience) show the lowest level of perceived achievement. Implication: It is imperative that the curriculum reinforces the development of these specialized competencies through a sustained theoretical-practical approach, with emphasis on real research experience and computational mastery, to ensure that future professionals effectively base their practice on evidence.