Estilos de conducción y salud mental en conductores motorizados del sector norte de la ciudad de Loja, provincia de Loja durante el año 2025 - 2026

Abstract

Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate driving styles, mental health, and alcohol consumption patterns among motorized drivers in the northern sector of the city of Loja during the 2025 2026 period. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 31 drivers selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The findings revealed a predominance of the careful driving style (M = 4.58; SD = 0.86), whereas the reckless (M = 2.12; SD = 0.98) and aggressive (M = 1.98; SD = 0.84) styles showed the highest maladaptive scores. Regarding mental health, social dysfunction (M = 3.94), somatic symptoms (M = 3.77), and anxiety and insomnia (M = 3.35) obtained the highest mean scores, while depression showed the lowest score (M = 1.03). Concerning alcohol consumption, 90.3% of participants were classified as abstinent or low-risk drinkers. It is concluded that psychological well-being and driving-related behaviors should be considered when designing preventive strategies aimed at strengthening road safety and the occupational health of Ecuadorian drivers.