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Bjørnshagen V, Moseng BU, Ugreninov E. Who Do You Reach? A Norwegian Pilot Project on HIV Self-Testing that Targeted Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:568-579. [PMID: 30929148 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02484-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
HIV self-testing reduces barriers associated with other HIV testing services, such as concerns about confidentiality and inconvenience. This article demonstrates who might benefit from this approach to HIV testing by describing the characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) who took interest in a Norwegian pilot project on HIV self-testing. Of the MSM users, 27% reported that they had never been tested for HIV. Not disclosing one's same-sex sexuality, particularly among non-gay-identified MSM, was associated with a higher probability of never having been tested for HIV and choosing to test with an HIV self-test because of its anonymity. Never having been tested for HIV was also associated with a higher probability of choosing to test with an HIV self-test due to anonymity. The results suggest that the HIV self-tests' ability to reach MSM who otherwise would not be tested is partly because it is an anonymous HIV testing alternative.
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Cullen L, Grenfell P, Rodger A, Orkin C, Mandal S, Rhodes T. 'Just another vial…': a qualitative study to explore the acceptability and feasibility of routine blood-borne virus testing in an emergency department setting in the UK. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024085. [PMID: 31048425 PMCID: PMC6501954 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increased test uptake for HIV and viral hepatitis is fast becoming a health priority at both national and global levels. Late diagnosis of these infections remains a critical public health concern in the UK. Recommendations have been issued to expand blood-borne virus (BBV) testing in alternative settings. Emergency departments (EDs) offer a potentially important point of testing. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study which aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a routine opt-out combined BBV testing intervention implemented at an inner London ED. METHODS We conducted 22 semistructured interviews with patients and service providers in the ED over a 4-month period during the intervention pilot. A grounded analytical approach was employed to conduct thematic analysis of qualitative study data. RESULTS Core interrelating thematic areas, identified and analytically developed in relation to test intervention implementation and experience, included the following: the remaking of routine test procedure; notions of responsibility in relation to status knowledge and test engagement; the opportunity and constraints of the ED as a site for testing; and the renegotiation of testing cultures within and beyond the clinic space. CONCLUSION Study findings demonstrate how relational and spatial dynamics specific to the ED setting shape test meaning and engagement. We found acceptability of the test practice was articulated through narratives of situated responsibility, with the value of the test offset by perceptions of health need and justification of the test expense. Participant accounts indicate that the nontargeted approach of the test affords a productive disruption to 'at-risk' identities, yet they also reveal limits to the test intervention's 'normalising' effect. Evaluation of the intervention must attend to the situated dynamics of the test practice if opportunities of an opt-out BBV test procedure are to be fully realised. Findings also highlight the critical need to further evaluate post-test intervention practices and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Cullen
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and SexuallyTransmitted Infections, London, UK
| | - Pippa Grenfell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and SexuallyTransmitted Infections, London, UK
| | - Alison Rodger
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and SexuallyTransmitted Infections, London, UK
- Infection & Population Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chloe Orkin
- HIV Medicine, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sema Mandal
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and SexuallyTransmitted Infections, London, UK
- Immunisation, Hepatitis, Blood Safety and Countermeasures Response, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Tim Rhodes
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and SexuallyTransmitted Infections, London, UK
- National Centre for Social Research on Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Brown LJ, Tan KS, Guerra LE, Naidoo CJ, Nardone A. Using behavioural insights to increase HIV self-sampling kit returns: a randomized controlled text message trial to improve England's HIV self-sampling service. HIV Med 2018; 19:585-596. [PMID: 29963766 PMCID: PMC6175432 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine whether behaviourally informed short message service (SMS) primer and reminder messages could increase the return rate of HIV self-sampling kits ordered online. METHODS The study was a 2 × 2 factorial design randomized control trial. A total of 9585 individuals who ordered a self-sampling kit from www.freetesting.hiv different SMS combinations: 1) standard reminders sent days 3 and 7 after dispatch (control); 2) primer sent 1 day after dispatch plus standard reminders; 3) behavioural insights (BI) reminders (no primer); or 4) primer plus BI reminders. The analysis was restricted to individuals who received all messages (n = 8999). We used logistic regression to investigate independent effects of the primer and BI reminders and their interaction. We explored the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on kit return as a secondary analysis. RESULTS Those who received the primer and BI reminders had a return rate 4% higher than that of those who received the standard messages. We found strong evidence of a positive effect of the BI reminders (odds ratio 1.13; 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.23; P = 0.003) but no evidence for an effect of the primer, or for an interaction between the two interventions. Odds of kit return increased with age, with those aged ≥ 65 years being almost 2.5 times more likely to return the kit than those aged 25-34 years. Men who have sex with men were 1.5-4.5 times more likely to return the kit compared with other sexual behaviour and gender identity groups. Non-African black clients were 25% less likely to return the kit compared with other ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS Adding BI to reminder messages was successful in improving return rates at no additional cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- LJ Brown
- Department of Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- PHE Behavioural Insights TeamResearch Training & Innovation, Health Improvement DirectoratePublic Health EnglandLondonUK
| | - KS Tan
- PHE Behavioural Insights TeamResearch Training & Innovation, Health Improvement DirectoratePublic Health EnglandLondonUK
| | - LE Guerra
- Sexual Health Promotion Unit, HIV and STIs DepartmentHealth Improvement DirectoratePublic Health EnglandLondonUK
| | - CJ Naidoo
- Sexual Health Promotion Unit, HIV and STIs DepartmentHealth Improvement DirectoratePublic Health EnglandLondonUK
| | - A Nardone
- Sexual Health Promotion Unit, HIV and STIs DepartmentHealth Improvement DirectoratePublic Health EnglandLondonUK
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Moseng BU, Bjørnshagen V. Are there any differences between different testing sites? A cross-sectional study of a Norwegian low-threshold HIV testing service for men who have sex with men. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017598. [PMID: 28988180 PMCID: PMC5640042 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a Norwegian low-threshold HIV testing service targeting men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN AND SETTING After the HIV testing consultation, all users of the HIV testing service were invited to answer the study questionnaire. The study setting included the sites where testing was performed, that is, the testing service's office in Oslo, cruising areas, bars/clubs and in hotels in other Norwegian cities. PARTICIPANTS MSM users of the testing service. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Data were collected on demographics, HIV testing and sexual behaviour as well as the participant's motivations for choosing to take an HIV test at this low-threshold HIV testing service. The data are stratified by testing site. RESULTS 1577 HIV testing consultations were performed, the study sample consisted of 732 MSM users. 11 tested positive for HIV. 21.7% had a non-western background, 27.1% reported having a non-gay sexual orientation. 21.9% had 10 or more male sexual partners during the last year, 27.9% reported also having had a female sexual partner. 56.4% reported having practised unprotected anal intercourse during the last 6 months. 20.1% had never tested for HIV before. Most of these user characteristics varied by testing sites. CONCLUSIONS The Norwegian low-threshold testing service recruits target groups that are otherwise hard to reach with HIV testing. This may indicate that the testing service contributes to increase HIV testing rates among MSM in Norway.
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Boydell N, Buston K, McDaid LM. Patterns of HIV testing practices among young gay and bisexual men living in Scotland: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:660. [PMID: 28818055 PMCID: PMC5561622 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing overall rates, and frequency, of HIV testing in populations at risk is a key public health objective and a critical dimension of HIV prevention efforts. In the UK, men who have sex with men (MSM) remain one of the communities most at risk of HIV and, within this, young gay men are a key risk group. Understanding HIV testing practices is important in the development of interventions to promote testing among young gay and bisexual men. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with thirty young gay and bisexual men (aged 18–29) in Scotland. Thematic analysis of men’s accounts of their approach to HIV testing identified three overarching patterns of testing: ‘habitual’, ‘reactive’ and ‘ad hoc’. Results This qualitative study, the first to explore patterns of HIV testing practices among young gay and bisexual men in the UK, contributes novel findings around the role of social support and ‘community’ in shaping young men’s approaches to HIV testing. The findings suggest that social support can play an important role in encouraging and facilitating HIV testing among young gay men, however, social norms of non-testing also have the potential to act as a barrier to development of a regular routine. Men with habitual testing practices framed HIV testing as both a personal and ‘community’ responsibility, and more effective than testing in response to risk events or emergent symptoms. Men who reported reactive testing practices described testing for HIV primarily in response to perceived exposure to sexual risk, along with ‘transitional moments’ such as starting, ending or changes to a relationship. Among young men who reported testing on an ad hoc basis, inconvenience and disruptions to HIV testing practices, particularly where men lacked social support, acted as a barrier to developing a routine of regular testing. Conclusions Our findings suggest that interventions which seek to increase rates of HIV testing and testing frequency among young gay and bisexual men should include a specific focus on promoting and supporting positive testing practices within young men’s friendship groups and wider gay communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Boydell
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Katie Buston
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lisa Margaret McDaid
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Hoyos Miller J, Clarke E, Patel R, Kell P, Desai M, Nardone A. How are sexual health clinics in England managing men who have sex with men who refuse to be tested for HIV? Int J STD AIDS 2017; 28:1305-1310. [PMID: 28457201 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417704343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to ascertain the existence of written policies and common clinical practices in sexual health clinics in England for the management of men who have sex with men who refuse to test for HIV. All sexual health clinics in England ( n = 223) were invited to complete an online questionnaire in August-September 2014. The questionnaire covered the four domains of clinic policies, management practices, training and monitoring. We assess differences by region. Overall, 92 clinics participated. Only three clinics reported having a written policy. In contrast, most reported having a common agreed practice (94% in London vs. 71.6% elsewhere). When encountering a refusal, 72.2% of the London clinics and 53.4% of the clinics from elsewhere offered a less invasive option. Few clinics (17.4%) provided information on home sampling kits and 74.4% informed about other testing options. Eighty-seven per cent of the clinics recorded the occurrence of refusals, but only 37.8% reviewed the collected data. Providing staff with training was more common in London (94.1% vs. 73.8%). Clear policies should be developed to guide professionals when encountering men who have sex with men who refuse an HIV test. Offering less invasive testing options and information on alternative testing options could be easily introduced into routine practice. Efforts should be made to review monitoring data in order to identify implications of test refusals and introduce improvements in management of refusals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hoyos Miller
- 1 Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Raj Patel
- 2 Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK.,3 University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Monica Desai
- 5 HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - Anthony Nardone
- 5 HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
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McDaid LM, Aghaizu A, Frankis J, Riddell J, Nardone A, Mercey D, Johnson AM, Hart GJ, Flowers P. Frequency of HIV testing among gay and bisexual men in the UK: implications for HIV prevention. HIV Med 2016; 17:683-93. [PMID: 26991460 PMCID: PMC5026165 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study was to explore HIV testing frequency among UK men who have sex with men (MSM) in order to direct intervention development. Methods Cross‐sectional surveys were completed by 2409 MSM in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London in 2011 and a Scotland‐wide online survey was carried out in 2012/13. The frequency of HIV testing in the last 2 years was measured. Results Overall, 21.2% of respondents reported at least four HIV tests and 33.7% reported two or three tests in the last 2 years, so we estimate that 54.9% test annually. Men reporting at least four HIV tests were younger and less likely to be surveyed in London. They were more likely to report higher numbers of sexual and anal intercourse partners, but not “higher risk” unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with at least two partners, casual partners and/or unknown/discordant status partners in the previous 12 months. Only 26.7% (238 of 893) of men reporting higher risk UAI reported at least four tests. Among all testers (n = 2009), 56.7% tested as part of a regular sexual health check and 35.5% tested following a risk event. Differences were observed between surveys, and those testing in response to a risk event were more likely to report higher risk UAI. Conclusions Guidelines recommend that all MSM test annually and those at “higher risk” test more frequently, but our findings suggest neither recommendation is being met. Additional efforts are required to increase testing frequency and harness the opportunities provided by biomedical HIV prevention. Regional, demographic and behavioural differences and variations in the risk profiles of testers suggest that it is unlikely that a “one size fits all” approach to increasing the frequency of testing will be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M McDaid
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - J Frankis
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Riddell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - D Mercey
- University College London, London, UK
| | | | - G J Hart
- University College London, London, UK
| | - P Flowers
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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Ong KJ, Thornton AC, Fisher M, Hutt R, Nicholson S, Palfreeman A, Perry N, Stedman-Bryce G, Wilkinson P, Delpech V, Nardone A. Estimated cost per HIV infection diagnosed through routine HIV testing offered in acute general medical admission units and general practice settings in England. HIV Med 2015; 17:247-54. [PMID: 26394818 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Following national guidelines to expand HIV testing in high-prevalence areas in England, a number of pilot studies were conducted in acute general medical admission units (ACUs) and general practices (GPs) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of testing in these settings. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost per HIV infection diagnosed through routine HIV testing in these settings. METHODS Resource use data from four 2009/2010 Department of Health pilot studies (two ACUs; two GPs) were analysed. Data from the pilots were validated and supplemented with information from other sources. We constructed possible scenarios to estimate the cost per test carried out through expanded HIV testing in ACUs and GPs, and the cost per diagnosis. RESULTS In the pilots, cost per test ranged from £8.55 to £13.50, and offer time and patient uptake were 2 minutes and 90% in ACUs, and 5 minutes and 60% in GPs, respectively. In scenario analyses we fixed offer time, diagnostic test cost and uptake rate at 2 minutes, £6 and 80% for ACUs, and 5 minutes, £9.60 and 40% for GPs, respectively. The cost per new HIV diagnosis at a positivity of 2/1000 tests conducted was £3230 in ACUs and £7930 in GPs for tests performed by a Band 3 staff member, and £5940 in ACUs and £18 800 in GPs for tests performed by either hospital consultants or GPs. CONCLUSIONS Expanded HIV testing may be more cost-efficient in ACUs than in GPs as a consequence of a shorter offer time, higher patient uptake, higher HIV positivity and lower diagnostic test costs. As cost per new HIV diagnosis reduces at higher HIV positivity, expanded HIV testing should be promoted in high HIV prevalence areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Ong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, UK
| | - A C Thornton
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - M Fisher
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - R Hutt
- NHS South East London, Public Health Lewisham, London, UK
| | - S Nicholson
- Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton, UK
| | | | - N Perry
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | | | - P Wilkinson
- Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton, UK
| | - V Delpech
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, UK
| | - A Nardone
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, UK
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Leidel S, Wilson S, McConigley R, Boldy D, Girdler S. Health-care providers' experiences with opt-out HIV testing: a systematic review. AIDS Care 2015; 27:1455-67. [PMID: 26272473 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1058895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
HIV is now a manageable chronic disease with a good prognosis, but early detection and referral for treatment are vital. In opt-out HIV testing, patients are informed that they will be tested unless they decline. This qualitative systematic review explored the experiences, attitudes, barriers, and facilitators of opt-out HIV testing from a health-care provider (HCP) perspective. Four articles were included in the synthesis and reported on findings from approximately 70 participants, representing diverse geographical regions and a range of human development status and HIV prevalence. Two synthesized findings emerged: HCP attitudes and systems. The first synthesized finding encompassed HCP decision-making attitudes about who and when to test for HIV. It also included the assumptions the HCPs made about patient consequences. The second synthesized finding related to systems. System-related barriers to opt-out HIV testing included lack of time, resources, and adequate training. System-related facilitators included integration into standard practice, support of the medical setting, and electronic reminders. A common attitude among HCPs was the outdated notion that HIV is a terrible disease that equates to certain death. Some HCPs stated that offering the HIV test implied that the patient had engaged in immoral behaviour, which could lead to stigma or disengagement with health services. This paternalism diminished patient autonomy, because patients who were excluded from opt-out HIV testing could have benefited from it. One study highlighted the positive aspects of opt-out HIV testing, in which participants underscored the professional satisfaction that arose from making an HIV diagnosis, particularly when marginalized patients could be connected to treatment and social services. Recommendations for opt-out HIV testing should be disseminated to HCPs in a broad range of settings. Implementation of system-related factors such as electronic reminders and care coordination procedures should be considered, and a social-justice commitment among HCPs should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Leidel
- a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Sally Wilson
- a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Ruth McConigley
- a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Duncan Boldy
- a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Sonya Girdler
- b School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- John Thornhill
- Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London E1 1BB, UK
| | | | - Rachel Bath
- Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London E1 1BB, UK.
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