In a sample of 1000 people, if 120 are hearing-impaired and 50 are diabetic, which statement is true about their relationship?

The assertion that diabetes and hearing impairment appear to be independent characteristics is supported by the fact that the information provided does not establish a statistical relationship or correlation between the two conditions within the sample population. From a public health perspective, when assessing the relationship between two health conditions, independence implies that the presence of one condition does not influence the occurrence of the other.

Given that the sample consists of a defined number of individuals with specific health conditions, determining their independence requires looking at the frequency and distribution of each condition. The mere presence of individuals who are hearing-impaired and those who are diabetic in a sample does not inherently suggest a link between the two unless further statistical analysis—like calculating a chi-square value or correlation coefficient—indicates a relationship.

In this scenario, without additional data showing overlap between hearing impairment and diabetes or demonstrating that one condition affects the prevalence of the other, it is reasonable to conclude that they are independent characteristics for this sample. Therefore, the statement reflects a correct interpretation of the data provided.