Theory-Based Determinants of Stopping Drowsy Driving Behavior in College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Drowsy driving among college students is a critical public health issue due to its significant impact on road safety. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the determinants of stopping drowsy driving behavior among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data for this study were collected from September to October 2023 via a 42-item psychometric valid, web-based survey disseminated via Qualtrics, involving 725 students from a large southwestern university. Nearly half of the participants (49.38%) reported drowsy driving in the past month. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that participatory dialogue (p = 0.0008) and behavioral confidence (p < 0.0001) significantly predicted the initiation of refraining from drowsy driving, with the final model explaining 36.4% of the variance. Similarly, emotional transformation (p < 0.0001) and practice for change (p = 0.0202) significantly predicted the sustenance of behavior change, with the final model accounting for 40.6% of the variance. These findings underscore the importance of targeted MTM-based interventions focusing on enhancing students’ awareness and confidence in managing drowsiness to mitigate drowsy driving, ultimately improving road safety and student well-being.