Estilos de conducción y salud mental en conductores motorizados de la ciudad de Machala, provincia del Oro durante el año 2025

Abstract

Abstract: The general objective of this research was to evaluate driving styles, mental health, and alcohol consumption among motorized drivers from the north-central sector of the city of Machala during 2025. The study was conducted under a quantitative approach, using a nonexperimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive design. The sample consisted of 60 motorized drivers selected according to established inclusion criteria. Data collection involved four instruments: an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI), the General Health Questionnaire GHQ-28, and the AUDIT test. The results showed that the predominant maladaptive driving style was the distracted style (M = 15.38), while the adaptive style with the highest mean was the cautious style (M = 17.55). Regarding mental health, the anxiety-insomnia dimension registered the highest mean score (M = 6.63), indicating significant psychological distress. Concerning alcohol consumption, 60% of the drivers presented risky consumption. It is concluded that the evaluated drivers present combined risk profiles associated with distracted driving, psychological distress, and risky alcohol consumption, which increases road vulnerability and requires comprehensive preventive interventions.