Estilos de conducción y salud mental en conductores motorizados en Ecuador durante el 2025

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to evaluate motor vehicle drivers in the central area of Santa Elena Province with respect to driving styles, mental health, and patterns of alcohol consumption during the year 2025. The research had a quantitative approach, with a descriptive and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 51 participants, and the instruments used were the Ad Hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory, the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The results demonstrate a balance between adaptive and maladaptive driving styles, with a slight predominance of the former, specifically the cautions driving style. However, scores corresponding to reckless and distracted driving styles were also identified within the sample. In the area of mental health, moderate levels of psychological distress were observed, mainly in social dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia, and somatic symptoms, while depression was found at a lower frequency. Regarding alcohol consumption, most participants fell into abstinence or low-risk categories, with a smaller proportion classified as engaging in risky consumption or showing probable dependence. Overall, these findings describe the behavioral and psychological profile of the drivers studied, contributing relevant information to the understanding of this population within the context of road safety.