Estilos de conducción y salud mental en conductores motorizados de una empresa de transporte privado de la parroquia Simón Plaza Torres del cantón Esmeraldas, provincia de Esmeraldas- Ecuador, durante el año 2025-2026

Abstract

Abstract: The general objective of the study was to evaluate the driving styles and mental health of motorized drivers from a private transport company in the Simón Plaza Torres parish of the Esmeraldas canton, Esmeraldas province, Ecuador, during the year 2025-2026. Its approach is quantitative, with a descriptive, cross-sectional, and non-experimental design. The sample included thirty participants, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The applied instruments were: Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and the AUDIT Test. The most important results show a marked predominance of adaptive driving styles, highlighting strong caution against almost non-existent risk behaviors. In terms of mental health, they stood out for their remarkable stability: a total absence of depression, minimal anxiety, and only slight social dysfunction. Furthermore, one hundred percent registered abstinence or a low risk of alcohol consumption. The main conclusions determine that the evaluated drivers possess a highly responsible profile behind the wheel. Their solid emotional and cognitive competencies act as protective factors, guaranteeing road safety.