Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. Evelyn Vingilis
Second Advisor
Dr. Robert Mann
Third Advisor
Dr. Mark Speechley
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated the relationships between motor vehicle collisions and anxiety and/or mood disorders, antidepressant and anxiolytic medication use, drinking and driving, and road rage. It is unclear if symptoms of anxiety and/or mood disorders are directly associated with motor vehicle collisions or if other factors mediate the effect. This thesis examines the effects of psychiatric distress, medication use, drinking and driving, and road rage on motor vehicle collisions. Cross-sectional data from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor were used in a hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Demographic predictors, psychiatric distress, and mediating variables were entered in blocks into five models. Findings indicated the relationship between psychiatric distress and motor vehicle collisions was not mediated by antidepressant and/or anxiolytics; however, it was mediated by drinking driving and road rage. The cross-sectional data make the causal nature of these relationships unclear and further research is needed.
Recommended Citation
Quansah, Kobina, "THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG MENTAL HEALTH, MEDICINAL DRUGS, DRINKING AND DRIVING AND ROAD RAGE AND MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS ON A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF ONTARIO ADULTS" (2009). Digitized Theses. 4014.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4014