The Relationship Between Fatigue Dimensions and Self-Efficacy in Driving Among Older Adult Drivers

Driving is a crucial ability that can impact the quality of life for elderly individuals. Older adults may rely more on driving compared to other age demographics. As individuals age, there are significant changes in physical, cognitive, intellectual, and emotional abilities that are crucial for driving, a skill essential for accessing healthcare, therapy services, work, and social activities, as well as maintaining independence and autonomy in the elderly. Mobility and physical exertion are crucial aspects of health for older individuals, and driving significantly contributes to their ability to move within society. The increase in the elderly population has led to a rise in the number of older drivers. Proficiency in self-efficacy in driving is a crucial ability in this profession that acknowledges the significant aspects of this issue. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between weariness, self-efficacy, and driving behavior among older drivers in an urban setting.

This study was a progressive and descriptive-analysis study conducted among older drivers aged 60 and older who were members of the taxi association. Three hundred and ten eligible participants were chosen using the convenience sampling approach. The data was collected using the demographic data form, the multidimensional fatigue inventory, and Adele's self-efficacy scale. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation tests.

The participants had an average age of 28.3 years with a standard deviation of 9.6 years, and their ages ranged from 60 to 75 years. 42% of the participants had university degrees. They mostly had 30 to 50 years of driving experience. The average self-efficiency in driving among older drivers was 101.87±15.74. The Pearson correlation test indicated a significant and inverse relationship between age factors, the history of the driving license, and the self-efficacy score. In other words, as age and years of driving experience increase, the likelihood of self-efficacy driving reduces substantially. The correlation between the fatigue questionnaire scores and self-driving efficiency was significant(P<0.001). There was an inverse relationship between fatigue and self-efficacy in driving. Higher fatigue levels in older adults led to a decrease in self-activity rates. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed strong associations between educational characteristics, the economic-social status of chronic illness, self-efficiency scores, and fatigue rates. The model indicates that the fatigue score decreases by 0.18 for every one-unit rise in the self-efficiency score. The regression analysis showed that monthly income, vehicle type, and fatigue score were significantly related to driving self-efficacy score(R2=39.5).

Researchers recommend implementing a driving rehabilitation program and interventions that provide psychological support in reducing fatigue for older adult drivers based on these findings. The results of the study could assist policymakers in the field of gerontology in planning rehabilitation programs to enhance self-efficacy in driving in older individuals. These programs would consider the factors that contribute to decreased driving efficiency in older drivers and would be implemented in collaboration with welfare organizations and municipalities.