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Strayhorn SM, Carter A, Harmon BE, Hébert JR. An Examination of Culturally Relevant Health Messages in African-American Churches. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022:10.1007/s10943-022-01638-x. [PMID: 35994186 PMCID: PMC9943804 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This quantitative study examined the presence of culturally relevant health messages for African-Americans based on a preexisting dataset from 21 African-American churches in South Carolina (USA). Content analysis served as the primary methodological approach to code printed media messages based on their cultural relevance among African-Americans (Cohen's kappa = .74). Within the dataset (n = 2166), 477 (22%) items were identified as culturally relevant. A low prevalence of culturally relevant messages was found across the three message topics, two media types, and one media source. Due to the limited presence of culturally relevant messages, researchers should collaborate with African-American churches to design health promotion messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaila M Strayhorn
- School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC, 28403, USA
| | - Andrew Carter
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA, 95192, USA
| | - Brook E Harmon
- Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, 1179 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607, USA.
| | - James R Hébert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 242 Discovery 1, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
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Schanbacher W, Gray HL. Religion and Food Insecurity in the Time of COVID-19: Food Sovereignty for a Healthier Future. Ecol Food Nutr 2021; 60:612-631. [PMID: 34617868 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2021.1946689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and amplified food insecurity in marginalized communities of color, revealing systemic health and socioeconomic inequalities. Given the role that religious organizations play in building social capital, disseminating information to local communities, and facilitating the distribution of basic necessities such as food, they are integrally involved in short- and long-term solutions to food insecurity. Yet, literature on the role of religious institutions for mitigating food insecurity is limited. The literature related to methods and means by which religious organizations engage community efforts to mitigate food security as well as studies in food sovereignty will be reviewed.
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Kahan D, McKenzie TL, Satnick M. Denominational Differences in US Synagogues' Promotion of Youth Physical Activity Programming. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:4521-4536. [PMID: 33977416 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01272-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Less than 25% of US children 6-17 years of age are sufficiently active. Faith-based settings are one of the nine societal sectors tasked with promoting physical activity (PA). Religious organizations frequently use diverse media, including websites, bulletins/newsletters, and calendars to inform current/potential members of events. These could be used to inform youth congregants about PA programs and/or various programs (e.g., worship, social group) with a PA component. We aimed to identify types of PA offerings available to youth and detect disparities by denomination. We performed a systematic line-by-line analysis of website content for a nationally representative, proportionate random sample of 1386 US synagogues representing five denominations: Humanistic (n = 24), Reconstructionist (n = 86), Reform (n = 462), Conservative (n = 368), and Orthodox (n = 446). We utilized crosstabulations and post hoc analyses (z scores) to identify denominational differences by a priori determined program type: education, worship, youth group, and preschool. Only 35% of the synagogues overall mentioned provision of at least one PA across program types. Proportions by denomination included: Humanistic (8%), Reconstructionist (48%), Reform (29%), Conservative (60%), and Orthodox (21%). There were denominational differences for education, worship, and preschool, with Conservative synagogue websites mentioning PA programs more frequently than expected. Future research should survey synagogue clergy and those overseeing media content toward understanding the decision-making process for mentioning/omitting PA when advertising youth programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kahan
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, ENS Building 315, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, USA.
| | - Thomas L McKenzie
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, ENS Building 315, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, USA
| | - Maya Satnick
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, ENS Building 315, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, USA
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Wells R, Breckenridge ED, Linder SH. Wellness project implementation within Houston's Faith and Diabetes initiative: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1050. [PMID: 32615957 PMCID: PMC7331178 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Faith-based health promotion has shown promise for supporting healthy lifestyles, but has limited evidence of reaching scale or sustainability. In one recent such effort, volunteers from a diverse range of faith organizations were trained as peer educators to implement diabetes self-management education (DSME) classes within their communities. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with provision of these classes within six months of peer-educator training. Methods This study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify patterns from interviews, observations, attendance records, and organizational background information. Two research team members thematically coded interview transcripts and observation memos to identify patterns distinguishing faith organizations that did, versus did not, conduct DSME classes within six months of peer-educator training. Bivariate statistics were also used to identify faith organizational characteristics associated with DSME class completion within this time frame. Results Volunteers from 24 faith organizations received peer-educator training. Of these, 15 led a DSME class within six months, graduating a total of 132 participants. Thematic analyses yielded two challenges experienced disproportionately by organizations unable to complete DSME within six months: [1] Their peer educators experienced DSME as complex, despite substantial planning efforts at simplification, and [2] the process of engaging peer educators and leadership within their organizations was often more difficult than anticipated, despite initial communication by Faith and Diabetes organizers intended to secure informed commitments by both groups. Many peer educators were overwhelmed by training content, the responsibility required to start and sustain DSME classes, and other time commitments. Other priorities competed for time in participants’ lives and on organizational calendars, and scheduling processes could be slow. In an apparent dynamic of “crowding out,” coordination was particularly difficult in larger organizations, which were less likely than smaller organizations to complete DSME classes despite their more substantial resources. Conclusions Initial commitment from faith organizations’ leadership and volunteers may not suffice to implement even relatively short and low cost health promotion programs. Faith organizations might benefit from realistic previews about just how challenging it is to make these programs a sufficiently high organizational and individual priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Wells
- Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, USA.
| | - Ellen D Breckenridge
- Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, USA
| | - Stephen H Linder
- Institute for Health Policy, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, USA
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Bernhart JA, La Valley EA, Kaczynski AT, Wilcox S, Jake-Schoffman DE, Peters N, Dunn CG, Hutto B. Investigating Socioeconomic Disparities in the Potential Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Environments of Churches. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:1065-1079. [PMID: 30132179 PMCID: PMC6384145 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Faith-based settings have the potential to improve health in underresourced communities, but little research has quantified and compared health-promoting elements in church environments. This study examines the number of potential indoor and outdoor physical activity opportunities, healthy eating opportunities, healthy living media, and total environmental resources present in churches (n = 54) in a rural, southeastern US county and the relationship between these resources and neighborhood income. In our sample, most churches offered potential indoor and outdoor opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating opportunities, with more variability in the number of healthy living media items on display compared to other environmental components. Common potential opportunities present in churches for physical activity included a fellowship hall and green/open space, while potential opportunities for healthy eating frequently included a refrigerator and sink. Compared to those in medium- and high-income neighborhoods, churches in low-income neighborhoods scored higher on measures of potential outdoor physical activity opportunities and lower on measures of total potential environment resources, healthy eating opportunities, healthy living media, and indoor physical activity opportunities, though only indoor physical activity opportunities reached statistical significance. Potential opportunities for using existing resources in and around churches for health promotion should be investigated further, particularly in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Bernhart
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A La Valley
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Danielle E Jake-Schoffman
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nathan Peters
- School of Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies, Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Caroline G Dunn
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Brent Hutto
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
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Johnston JA, Konda K, Ablah E. Building Capacity Among Laity: A Faith-Based Health Ministry Initiative. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:1276-1284. [PMID: 28689271 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A systematic review of topic-specific faith-based health programs determined that health outcomes can be improved though faith-based health interventions. A university research team, in partnership with the Kansas United Methodist Church and a United Methodist philanthropy, facilitated planning and development of a statewide initiative to increase the capacity of laity-led health ministry teams. The purpose of this paper is to describe the processes utilized to design and implement an initiative to increase capacity for laity-led comprehensive health ministry among Kansas United Methodist Church congregations and to share the key elements of the initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy A Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 North Kanas St., Wichita, KS, 67214-3199, USA.
| | - Kurt Konda
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 North Kanas St., Wichita, KS, 67214-3199, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ablah
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 North Kanas St., Wichita, KS, 67214-3199, USA
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Bail J, Nolan TS, Vo JB, Gisiger-Camata S, Meneses K. Engaging an Urban African American Community to Deliver Cognitive Health Education to Breast Cancer Survivors. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2018; 33:870-874. [PMID: 28032260 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-016-1155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about cognitive changes among African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCS). Here, we report our experience with engagement of leaders of urban AA churches in Birmingham, Alabama to deliver and evaluate Think Well: Healthy Living to Improve Cognitive Function, an educational cognitive health program for BCS. The Think Well team engaged leaders of urban AA churches using a 7-step process: 1) identify leaders, 2) develop connection with leaders, 3) assess AA community preferences, 4) tailor for cultural relevance, 5) plan seminars, 6) deliver seminars, and 7) evaluate cultural relevance and overall program quality. Program evaluation was via a 22-item survey and sociodemographic questionnaire. Data from AA participants were analyzed using SPSS. The engagement process resulted in sustained partnerships with three urban AA churches and delivery of three Think Well seminars to 172 participants. Of the 172 participants, 138 (80%) AA participants (40 BCS, 98 co-survivors) returned the program survey. Respondents reported Think Well to be culturally relevant (90%) and of high quality (94%). Think Well was developed and evaluated with the collaboration of urban AA church leaders. Engaging church leaders facilitated reach of AA BCS. Partnership facilitated a culturally relevant, high quality program for AA BCS and co-survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bail
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, MT 504,1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1210, USA.
| | - Timiya S Nolan
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, MT 504,1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1210, USA
| | - Jacqueline B Vo
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, MT 504,1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1210, USA
| | - Silvia Gisiger-Camata
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, MT 504G,1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1210, USA
| | - Karen Meneses
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, MT 502H1,1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1210, USA
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Harmon BE, Chock M, Brantley E, Wirth MD, Hébert JR. Disease Messaging in Churches: Implications for Health in African-American Communities. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2016; 55:1411-25. [PMID: 26296703 PMCID: PMC4856583 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Using the right messaging strategies, churches can help promote behavior change. Frequencies of disease-specific messages in 21 African-American churches were compared to overall and cancer-specific mortality and morbidity rates as well as church-level variables. Disease messages were found in 1025 of 2166 items. Frequently referenced topics included cancer (n = 316), mental health conditions (n = 253), heart disease (n = 246), and infectious diseases (n = 220). Messages for lung and colorectal cancers appeared at low frequency despite high mortality rates in African-American communities. Season, church size, and denomination showed significant associations with health messages. Next steps include testing messaging strategies aimed at improving the health of churchgoing communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook E Harmon
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, 200 Robison Hall, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA.
| | - Marci Chock
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Elizabeth Brantley
- Southeastern Insurance Consultants, LLC, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michael D Wirth
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - James R Hébert
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Hébert JR, Braun KL, Kaholokula JK, Armstead CA, Burch JB, Thompson B. Considering the Role of Stress in Populations of High-Risk, Underserved Community Networks Program Centers. Prog Community Health Partnersh 2015. [PMID: 26213406 DOI: 10.1353/cpr.2015.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer disparities are associated with a broad range of sociocultural determinants of health that operate in community contexts. High-risk populations may be more vulnerable to social and environmental factors that lead to chronic stress. Theoretical and empirical research indicates that exposure to contextual and sociocultural stress alters biological systems, thereby influencing cancer risk, progression, and, ultimately, mortality. OBJECTIVE We sought to describe contextual pathways through which stress likely increases cancer risk in high-risk, underserved populations. METHODS This review presents a description of the link between contextual stressors and disease risk disparities within underserved communities, with a focus on 1) stress as a proximal link between biological processes, such as cytokine responses, inflammation, and cancer and 2) stress as a distal link to cancer through biobehavioral risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, circadian rhythm or sleep disruption, and substance abuse. These concepts are illustrated through application to populations served by three National Cancer Institute-funded Community Networks Program Centers (CNPCs): African Americans in the Deep South (the South Carolina Cancer Disparities Community Network [SCCDCN]), Native Hawaiians ('Imi Hale-Native Hawaiian Cancer Network), and Latinos in the Lower Yakima Valley of Washington State (The Center for Hispanic Health Promotion: Reducing Cancer Disparities). CONCLUSIONS Stress experienced by the underserved communities represented in the CNPCs is marked by social, biological, and behavioral pathways that increase cancer risk. A case is presented to increase research on sociocultural determinants of health, stress, and cancer risk among racial/ethnic minorities in underserved communities.
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Hébert JR, Satariano WA, Friedman DB, Armstead CA, Greiner A, Felder TM, Coggins TA, Tanjasiri S, Braun KL. Fulfilling Ethical Responsibility: Moving Beyond the Minimal Standards of Protecting Human Subjects from Research Harm. Prog Community Health Partnersh 2015; 9 Suppl:41-50. [PMID: 26213403 PMCID: PMC4659710 DOI: 10.1353/cpr.2015.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Rules for protecting human subjects, in place federally since 1974, have focused primarily on guarding against placing research subjects at social, physical, or psychological risk or violating their privacy and confidentiality. Nevertheless, high-risk communities are routinely subjected to "sins of omission," which limit access to potentially significant research opportunities and result in the absence of studies that could confer high degree of community beneficence. PURPOSE OF ARTICLE To describe "sins of omission" and provide examples from the Community Networks Program Centers (CNPC) to illustrate how community-based participatory research (CBPR) can prevent them. KEY POINTS CBPR is an effective antidote to sins of omission. Activities undertaken by the CNPCs illustrate how adherence to CBPR principles can improve research access and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS By working with community members as partners, we expand the concept of beneficence to include "community beneficence," thus reducing the probability of "sins of omission."
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Braun KL, Stewart S, Baquet C, Berry-Bobovski L, Blumenthal D, Brandt HM, Buchwald DS, Campbell JE, Coe K, Cooper LC, Espinoza P, Henry-Tillman R, Hargreaves M, James A, Salmon Kaur J, Viswanath K, Ma GX, Mandelblatt J, Meade C, Ramirez A, Scarinci I, Park Tanjasiri S, Thompson B, Vines AI, Dignan M. The National Cancer Institute's Community Networks Program Initiative to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities: Outcomes and Lessons Learned. Prog Community Health Partnersh 2015; 9 Suppl:21-32. [PMID: 26213401 PMCID: PMC4698458 DOI: 10.1353/cpr.2015.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe reach, partnerships, products, benefits, and lessons learned of the 25 Community Network Programs (CNPs) that applied community-based participatory research (CBPR) to reduce cancer health disparities. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative data were abstracted from CNP final reports. Qualitative data were grouped by theme. RESULTS Together, the 25 CNPs worked with more than 2,000 academic, clinical, community, government, faith-based, and other partners. They completed 211 needs assessments, leveraged funds for 328 research and service projects, trained 719 new investigators, educated almost 55,000 community members, and published 991 articles. Qualitative data illustrated how use of CBPR improved research methods and participation; improved knowledge, interventions, and outcomes; and built community capacity. Lessons learned related to the need for time to nurture partnerships and the need to attend to community demand for sustained improvements in cancer services. IMPLICATIONS Findings demonstrate the value of government-supported, community-academic, CBPR partnerships in cancer prevention and control research.
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