High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

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Course Code

HSC

Course Number

4501

Faculty/Instructor

Dr. Joy Scheidell

Faculty/Instructor Email

joy.scheidell@ucf.edu

About the Author

My name is Orina Thomas, and I attend the University of Central Florida to study in health sciences. I have a strong interest in public health, preventing chronic illnesses, and understanding how lifestyle, environment, and access to care affect community health outcomes. I like using epidemiological principles to solve practical health problems, particularly those that impact marginalized or vulnerable groups.

I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Joy Scheidell, my Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases professor, for all of her help and advice with this project. I have improved my data analysis skills and gained a deeper understanding of the patterns of chronic diseases in public health through her mentorship.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

The goal of the study was to look into the potential relationship between obesity and diabetes-related mortality in the state of Florida. Diabetes is a significant chronic illness that has a wide range of effects throughout the state and is linked to major complications and early mortality. Understanding this association is crucial for guiding public health initiatives because obesity is one of the most significant and avoidable risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

To examine this association, I conducted an ecological correlation study using 2022 data from all 67 Florida counties. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was used to get data on obesity prevalence, and Florida Health CHARTS was used to gather data on diabetes mortality rates. I discovered a statistically significant positive link using Pearson correlation and linear regression, indicating that counties with greater obesity rates also tended to have higher diabetes mortality. The results show that obesity had a significant impact on the outcomes of chronic diseases, even if it only partially explained the variation.

During this study, I gained experience organizing and analyzing public health data at the county level, interpreting statistical correlations, and applying epidemiological ideas to actual health inequalities. My comprehension of chronic illness patterns has improved as a result of this experience, which also reaffirmed the significance of preventive measures in public health.

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UCF Stars

From Weight to Risk: Understanding Obesity’s Role in Diabetes Mortality


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