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Jaita S, Pisutsan P, Lawpoolsri S, Kitro A, Kittitrakul C, Kusolsuk T, Kamolratanakul S, Chompoosri P, Flaherty GT, Dhitavat J. International University Students' Pre-Travel Preparation, Knowledge and Practices towards Travel Health in Thailand: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:322. [PMID: 37368740 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
International university students are vulnerable travellers due to their unpredictable schedules and lifestyles. As Thailand continues to see an increase in international students, evaluating their pre-travel preparation and preventive behaviours is crucial to identify areas for improvement. For this purpose, an online survey focusing on pre-travel preparation, knowledge and preventive practices related to travel health was distributed to 324 eligible international students from 14 Thai universities, with the majority being from Asia and Oceania (79.0%; n = 256). The results showed that half of the respondents (53.7%; n = 175) received professional pre-travel advice, mainly because of the mandatory health examination and vaccination requirements of the host university. The study also revealed inadequate knowledge about infectious and non-infectious health risks, with only one-third being aware that Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by mosquito bites, and less than half of the students recognising Thailand's emergency services number. Poor preventive practices were also observed, with less than half of those with new sexual partners consistently using condoms and less than half of those riding motorcycles always wearing helmets. These findings highlight the need for a new strategy to improve the standard of travel health preparation among this group of young adult travellers, particularly those from resource-limited countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawettachai Jaita
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Phimphan Pisutsan
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Saranath Lawpoolsri
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Chatporn Kittitrakul
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Teera Kusolsuk
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supitcha Kamolratanakul
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Poom Chompoosri
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Gerard T Flaherty
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Jittima Dhitavat
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Martins SL, Hellerstedt WL, Brady SS, Mason SM. Sexual and reproductive health during international travel: Expectations and experiences among female university students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:2108-2115. [PMID: 33258743 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1844717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate female students' expectations and experiences related to their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) during international travel. Participants: Female students from a US university with a history of sex with men completed a cross-sectional survey about their upcoming (Pre-travelers; n = 170) or recent (Travelers; n = 340) international travel. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to characterize pre-travel SRH expectations (for Pre-travelers) and to determine the prevalence of 15 SRH experiences during both recent and lifetime travel (for Travelers). Results: Pre-travelers overwhelmingly expected to be abstinent and many were unsure of whether SRH supplies would be accessible in their destination. During Travelers' recent trip, SRH experiences included getting off schedule with contraception (30%), unwanted sexual touching (18%), new male sex partners (17%), and unexpected sex (15%); lifetime prevalence estimates were higher. Conclusions: International travel poses risks to female students' SRH that can be addressed by pre-travel counseling from study-abroad programs and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer L Martins
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Wendy L Hellerstedt
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sonya S Brady
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susan M Mason
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Wilder S, Scott C. Sex at Sea: Undergraduates' Perceptions of Sexual Relationships During Their Semester at Sea Voyage. SEXUALITY & CULTURE 2022; 26:2000-2018. [PMID: 35730003 PMCID: PMC9198201 DOI: 10.1007/s12119-022-09980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Often viewed as right of passage in emerging adulthood on college campuses, most undergraduate students participate in casual sex during their undergraduate career. Sexual exploration typically continues during study abroad programs; however, these programs have previously been associated with an increase in risky sexual behavior due to a lack of familiar social norms and community. The current study examined the casual sexual relationships of 302 undergraduates participating in Semester at Sea, an eleven country, 106-day voyage which incorporates aspects of a traditional college campus combined with the novel experience of studying abroad. The purpose of this research was to explore students' casual sexual relationship perceptions and behaviors in the context of a structured and community-oriented study abroad environment. Over half (52%) of the student population completed a series of open-ended questions regarding their uncommitted sexual activity during the Semester at Sea voyage. Results indicated that 16.9% of students engaged in at least one casual sexual relationship over the course of the trip. Casual sex relationships on-board the Semester at Sea voyage were less prevalent than those on traditional college campuses, but casual sex relationships at sea appeared to focus more on the importance of communication and boundaries during the sexual relationship and concluded on a more positive note. It is likely that these decisions were influenced by the established communal culture on-board the ship, which encouraged students to maintain harmonious social relationships and a high level of awareness of others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Wilder
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
| | - Christina Scott
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Whittier College, Whittier, United States
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Gareau E, Phillips KP. Sexual behaviors at home and abroad: an online survey of Canadian young adult travelers. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:967. [PMID: 35562691 PMCID: PMC9106270 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13383-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For young adults, travel- an accessible and aspirational experience- may be accompanied by high-risk lifestyle behaviors abroad, which in turn, increases the risk of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI). This study aimed to examine sexual and risk behaviors of young Canadian adults both at-home and during international travel. METHODS Sexually-active Canadians, aged 18-25 years (N = 646) who travelled abroad in 2016, completed an online, cross-sectional survey analyzed by descriptive statistics. Outcome measures included young Canadian adults' lifestyle risk and sexual behaviors at-home and abroad. RESULTS Sexual behaviors, both penetrative and non-penetrative activities, decreased significantly (p < 0.001; McNemar test) abroad compared to at-home. International travel elicited a statistically significant increase in alcohol consumption compared to at-home (Wilcoxon, z = - 11.341, p < 0.001). Partner type (new trip-acquired partner) abroad was associated with a greater number of travel-acquired sexual partners (Mann-Whitney, U = 4901, p < 0.001), inconsistent condom use during penetrative sex (U = 7215, p = 0.009), and sex under the influence of alcohol (Test of Two Proportions, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although many young Canadian respondents practiced abstinence in their 2016 travel, for sexually-active travelers, new partner-type was related to high risk sexual behaviors. Young Canadians exhibited sexual risk behaviors both at-home and while travelling; suggesting the need for both domestic and pre-travel sexual health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Gareau
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Karen P Phillips
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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McMann N, Trout KE. Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections Among College Students in a Rural Midwest Setting. J Community Health 2021; 46:117-126. [PMID: 32533286 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00855-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to assess that knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexual heath among rural college students in Nebraska. We administered an electronic survey (n = 125) that was adapted from the YRBSS and National College Health Assessment to compare results to national estimates. Results show condom use was below the national average (38.4% vs. 54.1%) during last time of having sexual intercourse. Only half (51%) of rural college students had received the HPV vaccine, and significantly less among males (18%) compared to females (60%). 37% of participants strongly agreed/agreed they felt their parents would find out if they had an STI screening, and even more felt their social group would find out (42%). Nearly all (92%) of the participants strongly agreed/agreed that they would tell their partner if they noticed that they had symptoms of an STI; although, over half (60%) of the participants strongly agreed/agreed that they thought they could tell if there was a change in their body indicating after contracting a STI, 33% did not know that STIs can have no symptoms, and over half (52%) almost never/never get STI screening when they had new partners. There was a significant positive association between with highest level of sexual health education and composite knowledge scores. The results show that sexual health among rural college students is an important, but understudied, health disparity. Online and college-oriented interventions could be used to help bridge the gap of sexual health education in states that do not mandate sexual health education, like Nebraska.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole McMann
- Department of Natural Science, School of Arts and Science, Peru State College, 600 Hoyt Street, NE, 68421, Peru, USA
| | - Kate E Trout
- Department of Natural Science, Biology and Human Health, School of Arts and Science, 600 Hoyt Street, Peru, NE, 68421, USA.
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Pedersen ER, D'Amico EJ, LaBrie JW, Klein DJ, Farris C, Griffin BA. Alcohol and Sexual Risk among American College Students Studying Abroad. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 21:926-936. [PMID: 32683572 PMCID: PMC7485613 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-020-01149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies show that during study abroad experiences, college students greatly increase their drinking behavior, experience multiple alcohol-related consequences, engage in sexual risk behaviors, and are at-risk for sexual violence victimization. These studies, however, have been limited by small sample sizes of students from single institutions who are often studying in a particular country or region. To better understand the extent of the risks experienced by college students studying abroad, we conducted a longitudinal survey study of 2630 students from 65 different US colleges and universities studying in 12 diverse locations abroad. Total drinks per week and heavy drinking days more than doubled while students were abroad, with heavier predeparture drinkers, men, and students under age 21 experiencing the greatest increases. There were few observed overall changes in alcohol-related consequences and risky sexual behaviors; however, specific groups, such as those with heavier predeparture consequences and sexual risk behaviors, men, and those on longer abroad programs reported greater consequences and risky sex abroad. One in five students (21%) experienced sexual violence abroad, with non-consensual physical contact the most prevalent form. Women, those under age 21, and those with a history of sexual violence were most likely to experience sexual violence abroad. Findings indicate that study abroad students may warrant targeted predeparture programming to help prevent heavy drinking and sexual violence experiences abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Pedersen
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Suite 2200, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Elizabeth J D'Amico
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA
| | - Joseph W LaBrie
- Department of Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90045, USA
| | - David J Klein
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA
| | - Coreen Farris
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave, Ste. #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Beth Ann Griffin
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
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Machul M, Bieniak M, Chałdaś-Majdańska J, Bąk J, Chrzan-Rodak A, Mazurek P, Pawłowski P, Makuch-Kuśmierz D, Obuchowska A, Bartoszek A, Karska K, Jurek K, Cardenas C, Dobrowolska B. Lifestyle Practices, Satisfaction with Life and the Level of Perceived Stress of Polish and Foreign Medical Students Studying in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124445. [PMID: 32575794 PMCID: PMC7345250 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The adaptation of foreign students to a new country can be complicated due to different cultural values, language barriers and the way university courses are structured. The aim of the study was to analyze the lifestyle practices, satisfaction with life and the level of perceived stress of Polish and foreign students studying various medical disciplines in Poland with regard to chosen sociodemographic characteristics. The study included 231 foreign and 213 Polish students (n = 444) taking different medical disciplines at the medical university in eastern Poland. Three research tools were used: Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire (FLQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Additionally, students' sociodemographic data was collected. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and correlations between variables were also examined. Our research indicated that Polish students obtained higher results in FLQ than foreign students. It also demonstrated a significantly higher level of stress among Polish students in comparison to foreign students. The self-assessment of their health condition, lifestyle, and rank associated to being healthy correlated with FLQ, SWLS and PSS-10. The present research can aid the development of support programs for foreign students so that the cultural adaptation processes would more positively influence their lifestyle and an education environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Machul
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Monika Bieniak
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Justyna Chałdaś-Majdańska
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Jadwiga Bąk
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Agnieszka Chrzan-Rodak
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Paulina Mazurek
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Piotr Pawłowski
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Daria Makuch-Kuśmierz
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Obuchowska
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Adrianna Bartoszek
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.B.); (J.C.-M.); (J.B.); (A.C.-R.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (D.M.-K.); (A.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Karska
- Department of Foreign Languages, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Jurek
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology, John Paul II Catholic University, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Claudia Cardenas
- Department of Primary Care, Avalon University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA;
| | - Beata Dobrowolska
- Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences; Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Aresi G, Moore SC, Berridge DM, Marta E. A Longitudinal Study of European Students' Alcohol Use and Related Behaviors as They Travel Abroad to Study. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:1167-1177. [PMID: 30747031 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1567787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Travelling away from home can be associated with fewer limits on behavior, particularly for students who participate in exchange programs. AIMS To examine the effects of eight moderators on change in alcohol use and related negative outcomes, drug use and unprotected sexual behavior in European study abroad students before, during, and after their time abroad. METHODS A three wave (before departure, while abroad, and after their return) longitudinal design collecting data on the frequency and volume of alcohol consumed, heavy episodic drinking, alcohol-related outcomes, drug use, and unprotected casual sex. RESULTS The baseline survey was completed by 1145 students participating in one or two semester exchange programs (67.5% spent up to a semester abroad), of which 906 participated in two or more waves, representing 42 and 33 countries of origin and destination, respectively. Mean age was 22.2 years (SD = 2.28) and 72.7% were female. Students increased the amount of alcohol consumed by 35% (B = 0.32; 95% CI 0.287-0.349) and experienced more alcohol-related consequences (B = 0.15; 95% CI 0.089-0.219) during the study abroad experience, though levels fell below pre-departure levels when they returned home. Factors related to greater alcohol use while abroad include pre-departure expectations about alcohol use during the study abroad experience, psychological adjustment to the host country, academic involvement, and host country living costs. No statistically meaningful change in drug use and unprotected sexual behavior was observed. CONCLUSIONS Studying abroad exposes European students to additional time-limited alcohol-related health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Aresi
- a Psychology Department , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Milano , Italy
| | - Simon C Moore
- b Violence & Society Research Group, School of Dentistry , Cardiff University , Cardiff , UK
| | - Damon M Berridge
- c Farr Institute - CIPHER , Swansea University College of Medicine , Swansea , UK
| | - Elena Marta
- a Psychology Department , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Milano , Italy
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