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This study was to identify individual and county-level (population-based) predictor variables which would allow for identification of contributing factors to increased risk of LLA. It sought to answer three primary questions: (1) Are there variations in risk of LLA by race/ethnicity among Type-2 diabetics in the Florida panhandle? (2) Are there variations in risk of LLA across socioeconomic and community characteristics? and (3) Is a combination of individual-level and county-level variables better predictors of LLA than either one alone? Results of the individual-level analyses were consistent with existing literature. Minority diabetics, specifically blacks showed greater risk for LLA than other groups. Men showed greater risk for LLA compared to women. Ages 60-69 showed greater risk for LLA compared to all other age groups. Hypertension as co-morbidity conferred greater risk for LLA compared to those without hypertension. Regression models did not show that county-level and individual-level variables together were better predictors of LLA than either one alone. Summarized, a hypertensive black male, ages 60-69 on public insurance has greater risk and more likely to undergo LLA.

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Dr. Smith is a native of Vero Beach, Florida. He is recognized as a modern day public health professional with focused training as a Doctor of Public Health in the field of Epidemiology & Biostatistics. He currently serves as Coordinator of Academic Programs and Adjunct Professor at Florida A&M University.

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