Estilos de conducción y salud mental en conductores motorizados del Centro de la ciudad de Riobamba, Provincia de Chimborazo-Ecuador, durante el año 2025-2026

Abstract

Abstract: The general objective of this research was to evaluate driving styles and mental health in motor vehicle drivers from the downtown area of Riobamba, Chimborazo province, Ecuador, during the 2025 2026 period. The present study was developed under a quantitative approach, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive design; the sample consisted of 30 individuals applying for a driver s license at the George Washington Driving Center. The Sociodemographic Ad Hoc Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and the AUDIT test were applied. The results showed a predominance of adaptive and cautious driving styles, moderate levels of psychological distress with greater presence of anxiety and insomnia, and mostly low-risk alcohol consumption. It is concluded that, although safe behaviors predominate, there are psychological and consumption indicators that could be related to maladaptive driving styles. Therefore, it is recommended to strengthen preventive strategies in mental health and road safety, providing evidence for future research in traffic psychology and the promotion of drivers well-being in urban contexts and the strengthening of road safety.