Self-perceived risk of STIs in a population-based study of Scandinavian women

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (7) ◽  
pp. 522-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Guleria ◽  
Mette Tuxen Faber ◽  
Bo T Hansen ◽  
Lisen Arnheim-Dahlström ◽  
Kai-Li Liaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveThis study examined the associations between current behaviours/characteristics and self-perceived risk for STIs, among randomly selected women aged 18–45 years from Denmark, Norway and Sweden.MethodA population-based, cross-sectional, questionnaire study (paper based, web based and telephone based) was conducted during 2011–2012. We compared medium–high STI risk perception with no/low risk perception. The associations were explored for women who had ever had sexual intercourse and for women with a new partner in the last 6 months using multivariable logistic regression.ResultThe overall prevalence of medium–high STI risk perception was 7.4%. It was highest among women aged 18–24 years (16.2%) and among the Danish women (8.8%). Number of new sexual partners in the last 6 months (≥3vs 0 partners, OR 14.94, 95% CI 13.20 to 16.94) was strongly associated with medium–high STI risk perception. Among women with a new partner in the last 6 months, lack of condom use increased medium–high STI risk perception (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.52 to 1.96). Genital warts in the last year, binge drinking and being single were associated with increased risk perception and remained statistically significant after additional adjustments were made for number of new partners and condom use with new partners in the last 6 months.ConclusionSubjective perception of risk for STI was associated with women’s current risk-taking behaviours, indicating women generally are able to assess their risks for STIs. However, a considerable proportion of women with multiple new partners in the last 6 months and no condom use still considered themselves at no/low risk for STI.

THE EFFECT OF 'CONCERN FOR OSTEOPOROSIS' AND SELF-PERCEIVED 'RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS AND FRACTURE' ON ANTI-OSTEOPOROSIS BEHAVIOR OF POST MENOPAUSAL WOMEN- A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

2021 ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Deepali Srivastava ◽  
Sandeepa Srivastava ◽  
Ashish Kumar ◽  
Sanjiv Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Medical Advice ◽  
Vitamin Supplementation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Bmd Testing ◽  
One Year

Introduction: Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, especially following menopause. The total affected population would have been around 35 to 40 million. Morbidity due to disease includes decreased mobility, decreased quality of life, and increased risk of mortality following an osteoporotic fracture. The morbidity due to the disease may be decreased through diet, exercise, supplementation, and medication. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of 'concern for osteoporosis' and self-perceived 'risk of osteoporosis and fracture' on antiosteoporosis behaviour such as (1) calcium and vitamin D supplementation, (2) seeking medical advice, (3) undergoing bone mineral (BMD) testing, and (4) taking antiosteoporosis medication (AOM). Material And Method:The study was conducted on women attending outpatient clinic of the Obstretics and Gynaecology and Orthopaedics department. Patients were required to ll up the Global Longitudinal Osteoporosis in Women Questionnaire. Enrolled patients were contacted after one year by means of telephone calls, hospital visits and home visits and data was collected for self-reported use of supplements, self-reported seeking of medical advice regarding osteoporosis, self-reported BMD testing, and self-reported use of antiosteoporosis medications etc. Results:Total of 1562 women were enrolled for the study out of which data of only 1000 women was analyzed at end of one year. At the end of one year period 360 women reported use of Calcium and or Vitamin D. Table 4 depicts the association between the use of vitamin supplementation and concern and risk perception. Concern (P=0.61), risk perception to osteoporosis (P=0.13), and risk perception to fracture (P=0.29) were not signicantly associated with use of vitamin supplementation in the next 12 months (i.e., calcium and/or vitamin D). Concern (p= <0.001), risk perception to osteoporosis (p=<0.001), and risk perception to fracture (p=<0.001) were signicantly associated with women seeking medical care during the next one year. Concern (p=0.35) was not signicantly associated with undergoing BMD examination. Risk perception to osteoporosis (p=0.03) and risk perception to fracture (p=0.03) were signicantly associated with women undergoing BMD medical examination in one year. Concern about osteoporosis (p=0.64) was not signicantly associated with treatment with anti-osteoporotic medication. Risk perception to osteoporosis (p=0.06) and risk perception to fracture (p=0.002) were signicantly associated with women. Conclusion: Concern for osteoporosis is associated with likelihood of seeking medical advice. Perception of risk for Osteoporosis and fractures is positively associated with seeking medical advice, BMD examination and AOM treatment

scholarly journals HIV prevalence in South Africa through gender and racial lenses: results from the 2012 population-based national household survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mabaso ◽  
L. Makola ◽  
I. Naidoo ◽  
L. L. Mlangeni ◽  
S. Jooste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Black African ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background In South Africa, persistence of the HIV epidemic and associated gender and racial disparities is a major concern after more than 20 years of democratic dispensation and efforts to create a more healthy and equal society. This paper profiles HIV prevalence and related factors among Black African men and women compared to other race groups in South Africa using the 2012 population-based national household HIV survey. Methods This secondary data analysis was based on the 2012 population-based nationally representative multi-stage stratified cluster random household sample. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between HIV prevalence and associated factors by gender and racial profile. Results Overall HIV prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.001) among both Black African males (16.6%; 95% CI: 15.0–18.4) and females (24.1%; 95% CI: 22.4–26.0) compared to their counterparts from other races. Among Black African males, increased risk of HIV was significantly associated with age group 25–49 years and those 50 years and older compared with young males 15–25 years. Among all males, reported condom use at last sex was significantly associated with increased risk of HIV. High socio-economic status (SES) and perceived risk of HIV were associated with a decreased risk of HIV. Among female condom use at last sex and ever testing for HIV was associated with increased prevalence of HIV only among Black African females. Lower prevalence of HIV was associated with marriage, tertiary education, high SES, having a partner five years younger, perceived risk of HIV, and awareness of HIV status among Black African females. Conclusion Gender and racial disparities rooted in structural and contextual inequalities remain important factors for the maintenance of the generalized HIV epidemic in the country. HIV prevention interventions need to cut across all strata of society but also target risk factors salient for specific groups. Alleviating vulnerability to HIV along gender and racial lines should also be viewed as part of a broader public health strategy.

scholarly journals Title: Risk Perception related to COVID-19 among Sub-Sahara Africans: A Web-based Comparative Survey of local and diaspora residents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kwasi Abu ◽  
Richard Oloruntoba ◽  
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu ◽  
Dipesh Bhattarai ◽  
Chundung Asabe Miner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

Abstract Background Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is a key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of COVID-19 outbreak and the factors associated. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey on 1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020. The dependent variable was perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics; COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19. Results Among SSA respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18–28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher level of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39–48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increases for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude). Conclusions There is a need to promote preventive measures with focus on increasing people’s knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitude towards the mitigation measures. Such interventions should target older participants and non-healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Associations between Colorectal Cancer Risk Perception and Dietary Patterns among University Students in the Caribbean: A Cross- Sectional Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
University Students ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Early perceptions of risk for chronic non-communicable diseases have been seen to be attributed to unhealthy lifestyles from as early as the stage of late adolescence; this relationship, however, has not been examined in the context of dietary patterns. This study investigated the relationship between risk perception for colorectal cancer (CRC) and dietary patterns among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1056 university students was conducted collecting data on demographics, lifestyle, and dietary patterns were obtained using a structured paper-based questionnaire. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used to identify dietary patterns and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between perceived risk for CRC and dietary patterns adjusting for confounders. Results: PCA analysis identified three main dietary patterns- westernized, prudent and dairy. The majority of participants (90%) perceived their risk for CRC as none/low. No significant differences were observed between dietary (western and prudent) patterns and risk perceptions (p>0.05). Higher consumptions of westernized diets were significantly associated with higher risk perceptions (OR= 1.13, p=0.022). Greater adherence to prudent (OR= 1.01, p=0.94) and dairy (OR=0.97, p=0.642) patterns didn’t significantly influence risk perceptions for CRC. Conclusion: Diets influenced highly on westernized patterns may increase one’s subjective perception of risk for developing CRC in the future. Cancer prevention marketing strategies are needed at the university level in assisting to combat the rise of the incidence of cancer globally.

scholarly journals Did Low Risk Perception Mediate the COVID-19 Second Wave in Bangladesh? A Cross-sectional Study on Risk Perception and Preventive Practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Naz Rahman ◽  
AKM Fazlur Rahman ◽  
Shah Monir Hossain ◽  
Mohammad Abul Faiz ◽  
Abu Jamil Faisel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preventive Practice ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
Second Wave

Objective This study assessed the risk perception and preventive behavioral practice towards COVID-19 just prior to the second wave of corona, as well as the impact of perceived risk on preventive practices. Design, setting, participants, and outcome measures A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021, involving 1382 respondents aged 18 years and above from all eight divisions in Bangladesh. We used multiple linear regression to identify sociodemographic predictors of risk perception and multiple logistic regression to determine the relationship between risk perception and preventive practice. Results Low risk perception regarding COVID-19 was present among one-fifth of the respondents (19.8%). Younger age, being male, low education, single marital status, and rural residence were significantly associated with a low perceived risk of COVID-19. Hand washing and wearing mask were practiced by 80% and 67% of respondents, respectively. A low prevalence was noticed for social distancing (31%), avoiding social gathering (31%), and covering face while coughing/sneezing (18%). Furthermore, respondents with a high risk perception were found to be more likely than those with a low risk perception to practice all recommended COVID-19 preventive behaviors- hand washing (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.5, 3.7), mask use (OR=3.4, 95% CI=2.3, 5), social distancing (OR=3.7, 95% CI=2.4, 5.6), sanitizer use (OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.8, 4.1), avoiding gathering (OR=2.3, 95% CI=1.6, 3.5), avoid touching face and mouth (OR=2.8, 95% CI=1.5, 5.3), and covering mouth while coughing/sneezing (OR=7, 95% CI=3.6, 13.4). Conclusion Considerable number of Bangladeshi adults had low risk perception and low practice of some vital COVID-19 preventive behaviors before the onset of second wave of corona. All preventive practices were also influenced by risk perception. This highlights the importance of strengthening and optimizing risk communication strategy even when the number of corona cases are low.

scholarly journals Risk perception of COVID-19 among sub-Sahara Africans: a web-based comparative survey of local and diaspora residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kwasi Abu ◽  
Richard Oloruntoba ◽  
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu ◽  
Dipesh Bhattarai ◽  
Chundung Asabe Miner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

Abstract Background Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection rates. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of getting infected by the COVID-19 virus as well as the associated factors. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey on 1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020, corresponding to the mandatory lockdown in most SSA countries. The dependent variable was the perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, and COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19. Results Among the respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18–28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher levels of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39–48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increased for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude). Conclusions There is a need to promote preventive measures focusing on increasing people’s knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitudes towards the mitigation measures such as vaccines and education. Such interventions should target the younger population, less educated and non-healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6700
Author(s):  
Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽  
Song-Lih Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
The Government ◽  
Distress Scale

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

Gender Differences in Knowledge and Risk Perception towards HIV/AIDS among Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shihabul Islam ◽  
Shah Ehsan Habib
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: Rohingyas living in refugee camps of Bangladesh have been identified as a high-risk group for HIV transmission. This study aimed to assess gender differences in risk perception towards HIV/AIDS among Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar. Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted to assess the level of risk perception towards HIV/AIDS. This analysis utilizes data from a survey of 130 Rohingya people through face-to-face interviews utilizing a 28-item HIV-Knowledge Questionnaire. A systematic sampling technique was used to accomplish data collection survey. Analyzing was done by SPSS 25. Results: Only 41.8% of males and 58.2% of females had a good knowledge score (8 out of 11 items) regarding the transmission of HIV. Knowledge is significantly associated with female gender (χ2 = 8.927, p < 0.005). Gender differences were also significantly associated with the perceived risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in the future (p < 0.001). When rank averages were investigated, perceived risk of contracting HIV/AIDS score of the female participants (mean rank = 76.71) appeared to be higher compared to the score of male participants (mean rank = 54.29). Conclusion: Female Rohingyas perceive a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS than male Rohingyas. Programs should address harmful gender norms, HIV testing and education emphasizing the risks involved in transactional sex within the camps.

Public Awareness of Low-Risk Alcohol Use Guidelines

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 905-913
Author(s):  
Kelcy McNally ◽  
Laura Lee Noonan ◽  
Marguerite Cameron ◽  
Karen Phillips ◽  
Shamara Baidoobonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Campaign ◽  
And Behavior

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a population-based, public education campaign designed to increase awareness of the Canadian Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDG). Method. A province-wide mass media campaign was introduced. To measure campaign effectiveness, we completed a cross-sectional study using pre- and postcampaign surveys. Measurements included awareness of the LRDG, specific knowledge of the LRDG, and beliefs toward drinking and behavior change. Results. Postsurvey respondents were more likely to be aware of the LRDG (19.2% vs. 25.8%). However, increased awareness was largely driven by females being significantly more aware of the guidelines after the campaign (odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval = [1.38, 2.19]). Men were not found to be more aware postcampaign. The results did not show a significant increase in specific knowledge of the LRDG or change in beliefs toward drinking and behavior change after the campaign. Independent of the survey cycle, males and those aged 19 to 25 years were less likely to be aware of the LRDG, select the correct drink limit or less, and believe that consuming alcohol in excess has short- and long-term health consequences when compared to females and those aged 56 to 70 years. Conclusions. A provincial public health education campaign was effective at increasing awareness of the LRDG, though uptake was lowest among those at highest risk for heavy drinking.

scholarly journals A bio-psycho-social approach for frailty amongst Singaporean Chinese community-dwelling older adults – evidence from the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel Teo ◽  
Pei Shi Yeo ◽  
Qi Gao ◽  
Ma Shwe Zin Nyunt ◽  
Jie Jing Foo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Severe Disability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Few empirical studies support a bio-psycho-social conceptualization of frailty. In addition to physical frailty (PF), we explored mental (MF) and social (SF) frailty and studied the associations between multidimensional frailty and various adverse health outcomes. Methods Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted using data from a population-based cohort (SLAS-1) of 2387 community-dwelling Singaporean Chinese older adults. Outcomes examined were functional and severe disability, nursing home referral and mortality. PF was defined by shrinking, weakness, slowness, exhaustion and physical inactivity, 1–2 = pre-frail, 3–5 = frail; MF was defined by ≥1 of cognitive impairment, low mood and poor self-reported health; SF was defined by ≥2 of living alone, no education, no confidant, infrequent social contact or help, infrequent social activities, financial difficulty and living in low-end public housing. Results The prevalence of any frailty dimension was 63.0%, dominated by PF (26.2%) and multidimensional frailty (24.2%); 7.0% had all three frailty dimensions. With a few exceptions, frailty dimensions share similar associations with many socio-demographic, lifestyle, health and behavioral factors. Each frailty dimension varied in showing independent associations with functional (Odds Ratios [ORs] = 1.3–1.8) and severe disability prevalence at baseline (ORs = 2.2–7.3), incident functional disability (ORs = 1.1–1.5), nursing home referral (ORs = 1.5–3.4) and mortality (Hazard Ratios = 1.3–1.5) after adjusting for age, gender, medical comorbidity and the two other frailty dimensions. The addition of MF and SF to PF incrementally increased risk estimates by more than 2 folds. Conclusions This study highlights the relevance and utility of PF, MF and SF individually and together. Multidimensional frailty can better inform policies and promote the use of targeted multi-domain interventions tailored to older adults’ frailty statuses.

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