Associations of biomarkers, cognition and self-reports of sensory function with self-reported driving behaviour and confidence.
BACKGROUND
Older adults report self-regulating their driving habits but little is known about factors associated with driving habits and driving confidence.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate cognitive performance, biomarkers and self-reported sensory function as correlates of self-reported driving behaviour and confidence.


METHODS
A volunteer sample of 153 drivers aged between 60 and 90 were assessed on biomarkers (vision, hearing, vibration sense, grip strength and FEV(1)), and cognitive performance. A subsample of 121 also completed a questionnaire on driving behaviour, driving confidence and self-reported sensory function. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to evaluate the relative importance of subjective and performance-based variables.


RESULTS
Driving behaviour and confidence were associated with cognitive performance, biomarkers, chronological age and one question on self-rated hearing difficulty. Structural equation modelling showed that biomarkers were most important in predicting self- reported driving behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that individuals self-monitor according to their physiological well-being and report their driving behaviour accordingly.
Anstey
Kaarin J
KJ
Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. Karin.Anstey@anu.edu.au
Smith
Glen A
GA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012677:Sensation; D012927:Social Control, Informal