Estilos de conducción y salud mental en conductores de instituciones públicas y privadas del sector El Sagrario de la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador, durante el año 2025

Abstract

Abstract: The present study aimed to determine driving styles, mental health, and alcohol consumption among motorized drivers in the city of Cuenca. A quantitative approach was used, with a non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 49 motorized drivers to whom the Sociodemographic Form, the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI), the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were administered. The results showed the coexistence of adaptive driving styles, with the cautious style being the predominant one, and maladaptive styles presenting higher scores in reckless and distracted driving. Regarding mental health, moderate levels of somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, and social dysfunction were found. In terms of alcohol consumption, most participants showed patterns of abstinence or low-risk drinking; however, some isolated cases of problematic consumption were identified. The presence of risky behaviors and mental health problems highlights the need for preventive interventions aimed at strengthening self-control, promoting mental health, and improving road safety education.