Estilos de conducción y salud mental en conductores motorizados del sector centro de la ciudad de Portovelo, provincia de El Oro durante el año 2025 - 2026

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze driving styles, mental health, and alcohol consumption among motorized drivers in the central area of Portovelo, El Oro province, during 2025-2026. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was applied to a sample of 33 drivers. The instruments used were the MDSI, GHQ-28, and AUDIT. Results showed that the predominant driving style was cautious (M=3.67), the most affected mental health dimension was anxiety and insomnia (M=3.85), and the most frequent alcohol consumption pattern was abstinence or low risk (75.8%). These findings are consistent with previous studies conducted with Latin American drivers, which similarly identified a predominance of adaptive styles and psychological disturbances related to emotional tension and sleep difficulties. It is concluded that, although the evaluated drivers do not represent a high road risk profile, the psychological disturbances detected highlight the need for sustained preventive interventions within the field of mental health.