Validation and Adaptation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Mexican Male University Students

Validación y adaptación de la Escala de Malestar Sexual en hombres universitarios mexicanos

Validação e adaptação da Escala de Desconforto Sexual em estudantes universitários mexicanos do sexo masculino

Natanael Librado-González , Geu Mendoza-Catalán , Itallo Carvalho-Gomes , Julieta Ángel-García , Alan Josué Ramírez-Calderón

Validation and Adaptation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Mexican Male University Students

Universitas Médica, vol. 67, 2026

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Natanael Librado-González

Universidad Autónoma del Estado Hidalgo, Pachuca , México


Geu Mendoza-Catalán a

Universidad Autónoma del Estado Hidalgo, Pachuca, México


Itallo Carvalho-Gomes

Universidad Autónoma del Estado Hidalgo, Pachuca, México


Julieta Ángel-García

Universidad Autónoma del Estado Hidalgo, Pachuca, México


Alan Josué Ramírez-Calderón

Universidad Autónoma del Estado Hidalgo, Pachuca, México


Received: 01 january 2026

Accepted: 16 january 2026

Abstract: Introduction: Sexual distress is a multidimensional phenomenon that significantly impacts mental health, interpersonal relationship satisfaction, and quality of life. To date, there is no robust and culturally adapted instrument to measure this construct in men. Objective: To adapt and validate the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) in Mexican male university students. Method: Methodological study of adaptation and validation in 310 sexually active Mexican male university students who were administered an adapted version of the FSDS. Content validity was assessed using the Item Content Validity Index, construct validity was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega coefficient. Results: The content validity index was 0.9423, indicating cultural adequacy of the items. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an outstanding fit (χ²(53) = 63.8, CFI = 1.000, TLI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.026, and GFI = 0.998) for the unidimensional scale composed of 12 items. Conclusions: The Male Sexual Distress Scale is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate tool for use in the Mexican male population.

Keywords:men, men's health, sexual health, validation study.

Resumen: Introducción: El malestar sexual es un fenómeno multidimensional que repercute de manera significativa en la salud mental, la satisfacción de las relaciones interpersonales y la calidad de vida. Hasta el momento no existe un instrumento robusto y culturalmente adaptado para medir este constructo en hombres. Objetivo: Adaptar y validar la Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) en hombres universitarios mexicanos. Método: Estudio metodológico de adaptación y validación en 310 hombres universitarios mexicanos y sexualmente activos a quienes se les aplicó una versión adaptada de la FSDS. Se evaluó la validez de contenido mediante el Índice de Validez de Contenido por Ítem, la validez de constructo mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio y fiabilidad interna mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y el coeficiente omega de McDonald. Resultados: El índice de validez de contenido fue de 0,9423, lo que indica adecuación cultural de los ítems. El análisis factorial confirmatorio reveló un ajuste sobresaliente (χ²(53) = 63,8; CFI = 1,000; TLI = 0,999; RMSEA = 0,026, y GFI = 0,998) para la escala unidimensional compuesta por 12 ítems. Conclusiones: La Escala de Malestar Sexual Masculino es una herramienta válida, confiable y con adecuación cultural para ser usada en población masculina mexicana.

Palabras clave: hombres, salud del hombre, salud sexual, estudio de validación.

Resumo: Introdução: O mal-estar sexual é um fenômeno multidimensional que afeta significativamente a deterioração da saúde mental, a satisfação nas relações interpessoais e a qualidade de vida. Até o momento, não existe um instrumento robusto e culturalmente adaptado para medir esse constructo em homens. Objetivo: Adaptar e validar a Escala de Desconforto Sexual Feminino (FSDS) em homens universitários mexicanos. Método: Estudo metodológico de adaptação e validação em 310 homens universitários mexicanos e sexualmente ativos, aos quais foi aplicada uma versão adaptada da FSDS. A validade do conteúdo foi avaliada por meio do Índice de Validade do Conteúdo por item, a validade do constructo por meio de uma análise fatorial confirmatória e a confiabilidade interna por meio do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e do coeficiente omega de McDonald. Resultados: O índice de validade do conteúdo foi de 0,9423, o que indica adequação cultural dos itens. A análise fatorial confirmatória revelou um ajuste excelente (χ²(53) = 63,8, CFI = 1,000, TLI = 0,999, RMSEA = 0,026 e GFI = 0,998) para a escala unidimensional composta por 12 itens. Conclusões: A Escala de Desconforto Sexual Masculino é uma ferramenta válida, confiável e culturalmente adequada para ser utilizada na população masculina mexicana.

Palavras-chave: homens, saúde do homem, saúde sexual, estudo de validação.

Introduction

Sexual distress is defined as the subjective distress associated with sexual functioning and constitutes an essential criterion for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions in current classification systems (1). This criterion makes it possible to differentiate between normal variations in sexual response and disturbances of clinical relevance, since the mere presence of sexual difficulties is insufficient to establish a diagnosis unless accompanied by clinically significant distress. In recent literature, sexual distress has been described as a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing psychological, relational, and cultural components (2).

Processes such as mindfulness, acceptance, and experiential avoidance have been documented to influence its manifestation (3,4), whereas other approaches link it to the discrepancy between actual sexual experiences and expectations shaped by cultural scripts (5). These contributions have consolidated sexual distress as a complex construct that integrates cognitive, emotional, and contextual factors, thereby justifying its assessment within a comprehensive biopsychosocial model. In this regard, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), emphasizes the central role of sexual distress, underscoring its usefulness in differentiating sexual dysfunctions from transient problems or non-pathological variants of sexual behavior (6-8).

Sexual distress has relevant clinical and psychosocial implications, as it is associated with impaired mental health, lower satisfaction in interpersonal relationships, and reduced quality of life. Its expression results from the interaction between individual factors, such as genital function, and contextual elements, including partner dynamics and social attitudes toward sexuality (9,10). Nevertheless, its assessment represents a clinical challenge, since the presence of sexual dysfunction is not always accompanied by subjective distress; for example, some men with premature ejaculation do not report significant emotional impairment (6). Additional barriers, such as stigma, costs, and lack of time, may inhibit the seeking of professional care, even when sexual well-being is compromised (9,10).

Although sexual distress has been widely recognized as a key diagnostic component, the development of standardized psychometric instruments has focused almost exclusively on women. The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), developed by Derogatis et al. (11), has become the reference instrument for measuring sexual distress in women, owing to its excellent psychometric properties and cross-cultural adaptations in different contexts (12). In recent years, important efforts have emerged to validate versions of this scale in male populations across different international settings (13,14), demonstrating the feasibility and relevance of adapting this instrument for men. However, in the Mexican context, a significant gap remains in the assessment of male sexual health, as to date there is no equivalent, robust, and culturally adapted instrument to specifically quantify sexual distress in Mexican men. This absence limits professionals’ ability to diagnose the condition accurately and determine the severity of the problem in this population.

Since its original validation, the FSDS has demonstrated strong internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.86 to 0.93, as well as a unidimensional structure supported by factor analysis (11). Subsequently, several cross-cultural adaptations have confirmed its psychometric robustness, including the Spanish version, which reported high reliability (α = 0.90), adequate construct validity, and invariance across groups (13). International studies have also shown its clinical utility both in women with sexual dysfunction and in the general population, with reliability coefficients above 0.85 and adequate factorial fit indices (14-16). Taken together, this evidence supports the relevance of developing an adapted version for the male population.

The cross-cultural adaptation of the FSDS for the male population responds to the need for conceptually equivalent and culturally appropriate instruments that validly assess the construct across different contexts. This process is supported by widely accepted frameworks on linguistic equivalence and measurement validity, in accordance with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (17-19). Adapting an instrument with strong psychometric support and a well-established factorial structure is methodologically more advantageous than developing a new scale, as it allows researchers to build on a robust theoretical foundation, facilitates international comparability, and optimizes resources; likewise, this strategy addresses the lack of instruments specifically designed for men. In view of this gap, the present study aimed to adapt and validate the FSDS for use in the Mexican male population, thereby giving rise to the Male Sexual Distress Scale (Escala de Malestar Sexual Masculino, EMSM).

Methods

A cross-sectional methodological study was conducted to evaluate the measurement properties of the EMSM, following the guidelines of the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN guideline) (20). Instrumental studies fall within methodological designs aimed at developing or adapting tools that allow psychological and behavioral variables to be measured accurately in specific contexts (21,22). The study was conducted in three phases: 1) content validation, 2) evaluation of psychometric properties, and 3) establishment of reference values (23).

Participants

The sample consisted of 310 Mexican men, aged between 18 and 25 years (M = 20.3; SD = 2.2), who were university students and sexually active. Recruitment was performed through two-stage probability cluster sampling. In the first stage, 15 academic groups (primary sampling units) were randomly selected from a total of 45, belonging to the faculties of engineering, architecture, and computer science at a Mexican public university. In the second stage, all sexually active male students who were part of the selected clusters and met the eligibility criteria were included: being of legal age, having proficiency in the Spanish language, not having a current diagnosis of a psychotic disorder or significant cognitive impairment, and not having previously participated in similar studies in order to avoid reactivity bias (Table 1).

Table 1.
Sociodemographic characteristics
Sociodemographic characteristics

f: frequency


The sample size (n = 310) meets the commonly accepted criteria for the validation of psychometric instruments. Following the recommendation of having at least 10 observations per item (310 > 130 for a 13-item scale) (24), the stability of the parametric estimates is ensured. Additionally, to assess sample adequacy in the context of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), a post hoc sensitivity analysis was performed using the semPower package in R. Considering the degrees of freedom of the final model (df = 53), the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) value obtained in the CFA (ε = 0.026) as an estimate of the effect size in the population, and a significance level of α = 0.05, the observed statistical power was greater than 0.99. This value substantially exceeds the conventional threshold of 0.80 recommended for testing the hypothesis of lack of fit, namely the test of close fit, in structural equation models (25). Consequently, it is confirmed that the study had the necessary statistical power to support the validity of the unidimensional structure of the EMSM, minimizing the probability of type II error (Table 2).

Table 2.
Comparison of model fit indices for the Male Sexual Distress Scale
Comparison of model fit
indices for the Male Sexual Distress Scale

AGFI: Adjusted Goodness of Fit; CFI: Comparative Fit Index; GFI: Goodness of Fit Index; df: degrees of freedom; χ²/df: chi-square-to-degrees-of-freedom ratio; RMSEA: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation; TLI: Tucker-Lewis Index; EMSM: Male Sexual Distress Scale.


Instrument

The study used an adapted version of the FSDS (11), a 12-item self-report questionnaire with a Likert-type response format ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (always). The total score, obtained by summing the items, reflects the level of sexual distress, with higher scores indicating greater impairment. Although originally developed for women, a semantic adaptation was used for male university students to ensure conceptual equivalence. The instrument was administered digitally in a self-administered format. Regarding its metric properties, the FSDS has demonstrated high reliability, with alpha coefficients ranging from 0.86 to 0.97 and adequate temporal stability values (r = 0.80-0.92), supporting its internal consistency and reproducibility. It also shows strong validity, evidenced by a stable unidimensional model and convergent validity with clinical indicators of sexual dysfunction.

Procedures

The study followed a structured psychometric validation process in three phases, aligned with recognized methodological guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation of instruments, including translation-back-translation, semantic equivalence analysis, and evaluation of psychometric properties in the target population, as well as with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. First, formal authorization was obtained from the participating educational institution, along with approval from the corresponding Research Ethics Committee (registration number ICSa/280/2024). Subsequently, the cultural adaptation of the EMSM was carried out through the independent evaluation of a panel of ten experts in sexuality, psychometrics, and methodology, who assessed the pertinence, clarity, and cultural relevance of the items using a four-point scale. Based on the item-level validity indices and qualitative observations, the necessary semantic adjustments were incorporated to ensure the conceptual coherence and cultural appropriateness of the instrument.

In the second phase, a pilot test was conducted with male university students recruited through direct invitation in classrooms authorized by the institution. The pilot test was administered in a controlled environment within the academic facilities, under the supervision of the research team and using standardized instructions. After administration, feedback was obtained regarding the comprehension of the items, which allowed the wording of some items to be adjusted.

In the third phase, the final administration of the instrument was conducted with the total study sample. Participants were recruited through cluster sampling from previously selected and authorized academic groups. The scale was administered electronically in a controlled classroom, with in-person supervision by the research team, to ensure homogeneous administration conditions, privacy, and adequate understanding of the instructions. Participation was voluntary, anonymous, and preceded by the signing of informed consent.

Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed according to international standards for instrument validation (20). In the first stage, content validity was assessed using the Item-Level Content Validity Index (I-CVI), calculated from the ratings provided by a panel of 10 experts using a four-point scale (1 = not pertinent at all to 4 = highly pertinent) (26). Each item was considered adequate when it reached an I-CVI equal to or greater than 0.78, following the criteria proposed by Mary Lynn (27) for instruments evaluated by more than 6 judges.

Construct validity was subsequently examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), using structural equation models with estimation for ordinal variables (28). To determine the adequacy of the factorial model, the fit indices recommended in the psychometric literature were used: a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) greater than 0.90, a Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) greater than 0.90, and an RMSEA below 0.08 (28,29). Based on these criteria, different model specifications were evaluated, also considering modification indices to identify potential residual correlations or adjustments to the theoretical structure (30,31).

The internal reliability of the scale was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and McDonald’s omega coefficient. In both cases, a minimum value of 0.70 was used as the acceptability criterion, corresponding to the standard for psychological and health sciences instruments (31,32).

As part of the precision analysis, the standard error of measurement (SEM) was estimated using the formula SEM = SD × √(1 − α), and the minimum detectable difference (MDD) was determined using the parameter MDD = 1.96 × √2 × SEM, in accordance with guidelines for interpreting random error in measurement instruments. Prior to the main analysis, missing data patterns were reviewed, and when the proportion of incomplete data was below 5%, multiple imputation was applied following recommendations to minimize bias and preserve data variability (33). All statistical procedures were performed using Jamovi, version 2.7.6, with the lavaan, psych, and ltm modules (34), in accordance with the criteria established by the COSMIN guideline for the interpretation and reporting of measurement properties.

Results

Content validity

The content validity of the Sexual Distress Scale adapted to the Mexican context was evaluated by a panel of 10 experts in sexual health and methodology, who assessed the pertinence, clarity, and cultural relevance of the 13 items using a 4-point Likert-type scale. The results showed that most items reached CVI values close to unity, particularly items 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11, and 12, which obtained a CVI of 1.00, indicating fully accepted pertinence and clarity. Other items, such as items 4 and 13, showed indices of 0.95 and 0.975, respectively, remaining within ranges considered excellent. The lowest values were observed for items 5 (CVI = 0.825), 7 (CVI = 0.80), 8 (CVI = 0.875), and 9 (CVI = 0.825), which, although exceeding the recommended minimum cutoff point of 0.70, were accompanied by qualitative observations from the experts.

These observations mainly pointed to semantic ambiguities. In the case of item 5, the possibility of conceptual overlap with item 7 was noted, as the terms stress and concern could be perceived as similar. Item 7 was considered potentially confusing because the phrase “concerned about sex” could be interpreted in relation to moral or religious aspects, or fears associated with sexually transmitted infections. Item 8, in turn, raised concern because it could be associated with a medical incapacity, which might lead to interpretations related to specific dysfunctions rather than general sexual distress. Finally, item 9 was noted for its possible moral or identity-related interpretation, since “regretful about your sexuality” could be understood in ways not directly linked to the construct being assessed.

Based on these assessments, adjustments were made to improve semantic precision without modifying the conceptual structure of the items. Item 8 was modified to specify that it refers to “sexual performance during sexual intercourse,” with the aim of avoiding erroneous clinical interpretations. Likewise, item 10, although it showed a perfect CVI, was enriched based on the experts’ comments to include the communicative dimension; thus, it was worded in a way that also encompasses “embarrassment when talking about sexual problems.” The remaining items that received observations were reworded to improve their clarity within the Mexican cultural context, while maintaining coherence with the original scale. The overall analysis showed a total CVI of 0.9423, indicating excellent agreement among the experts and supporting the pertinence and cultural adequacy of the items evaluated.

Confirmatory factor análisis

In the first CFA, the unidimensional model composed of the 13 original items of the scale was evaluated. The model showed an adequate fit to the data, with favorable values in the main indicators (χ² (65) = 159; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.996; RMSEA = 0.069; GFI = 0.995). Although these values suggest an acceptable fit, the modification indices indicated the presence of important residual correlations, particularly between items 4 and 5, as well as between items 4 and 8. These associations indicated redundancies or semantic overlap that justified testing alternative models to improve parsimony and overall fit.

Based on the evidence obtained in the initial model, a second model was estimated excluding item 4, which showed the highest residual loadings and a strong relationship with other items. This 12-item model showed a notable improvement in fit, reaching more favorable values across all evaluated indicators (χ² (54) = 77.6; CFI = 0.999; TLI = 0.999; RMSEA = 0.038; GFI = 0.997). The decrease in RMSEA below 0.05 confirmed the improvement in model fit, and the increase in the Hoelter index (288) suggested greater model stability in relation to variations in sample size (Figure 1).

Final adjusted model of
the Male Sexual Distress Scale
Figure 1.
Final adjusted model of the Male Sexual Distress Scale


Factor loadings of the final model

The standardized factor loadings of the final model showed high and statistically significant values for all items, indicating a strong relationship between each item and the latent construct of sexual distress. The loadings ranged from 0.692 to 0.906, representing a high degree of association. The coefficients of determination (R²) ranged from 0.479 to 0.821, showing that each item explained a considerable proportion of the factor variance. The items with the highest factor loadings were items 6, 8, and 10, which reflected the highest levels of explained variance. Error variances remained within appropriate ranges and were consistent with the magnitude of the factor loadings, with no items showing poor performance. Although some items showed negative loadings, this corresponded exclusively to the direction of coding and did not affect the magnitude of their contribution to the construct evaluated (Table 3).

Table 3.
Standardized factor loadings, error variances, and R² of the final model
Standardized factor
loadings, error variances, and R² of the final model

β: factor loading; R²: coefficients of determination.


Internal reliability

Overall, the scale obtained a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.945 and a McDonald’s omega coefficient of 0.946, indicating excellent internal reliability. In addition, the analysis of internal consistency if an item was deleted showed that both Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega would remain above 0.90 regardless of the item removed (ranging from 0.938 to 0.945 for α, and from 0.939 to 0.945 for ω). This confirms that all items contribute significantly to the high reliability of the scale and that there are no redundant items or items that impair the internal consistency of the instrument (Table 4).

Table 4.
Item-level reliability statistics
Item-level reliability statistics

α: Cronbach’s alpha; ω: McDonald’s omega.


Discussion

The results obtained support the robustness of the EMSM adaptation process, particularly with regard to content validity. The high level of agreement among experts suggests that the items are pertinent, clear, and culturally appropriate, which is consistent with international recommendations emphasizing the preservation of conceptual equivalence over literal translation (17,18). Expert review made it possible to identify and adjust potential semantic ambiguities that could lead to interpretations influenced by moral, medical, or identity-related norms, a relevant aspect in the assessment of male sexuality.

Regarding internal structure, the CFA results support a unidimensional model of male sexual distress, consistent with the original validation of the FSDS (11) and with previous adaptations in different cultural contexts (13,16). However, in the validation conducted with Colombian and Canadian male populations, no items were removed and the original version was retained (13). The confirmation of this structure in a male population reinforces the notion that sexual distress can be conceptualized as a global construct that integrates emotional experiences, such as distress, frustration, and concern associated with sexual life, regardless of gender.

The original scale consisted of 13 items; however, in this study it was reduced to 12 through the removal of item four (“Have you felt frustrated by your sexual problems?”). From a theoretical perspective, frustration associated with sexual problems has been documented mainly in contexts of sexual dysfunction linked to chronic conditions, such as erectile dysfunction and other health-related alterations, primarily in middle-aged and older adults (35,36). In this regard, its conceptual relevance in a university population appears limited, given that in this age group the presence of sexual problems is usually lower and less frequently associated with established clinical conditions (37,38).

Additionally, the content of the item showed overlap with other indicators of emotional distress related to stress and concern, suggesting conceptual redundancy within the construct evaluated. In accordance with principles of instrument development, it is recommended to prioritize parsimony and the theoretical representativeness of items, while avoiding the overrepresentation of similar dimensions (26,27). Although the item was considered relevant by experts during the content validity phase, its removal from the final model is justified by its limited theoretical adequacy for the study group and by its contribution to a better specification of the construct in this population, which was also reflected in improved model fit indices.

Likewise, the high factor loadings indicate a strong relationship between the items and the latent construct of sexual distress, particularly in items related to emotional distress, frustration, and negative perceptions of sexual performance. This pattern is consistent with literature indicating that sexual distress does not depend exclusively on genital function, but is deeply influenced by the subjective and affective interpretation of the sexual experience (11,39). In this sense, the findings reinforce the importance of emotional components as the core of male sexual distress (4,7,10).

In terms of reliability, the EMSM showed high levels of internal consistency, comparable to those reported for the original scale and its cross-cultural adaptations (31,32), suggesting that the measurement of sexual distress maintains its internal stability even when applied to a population different from the one originally studied. In addition, the estimation of the standard error of measurement and the minimum detectable difference provides useful information for the clinical interpretation of scores, as it allows discrimination between real changes and variations attributable to measurement error.

As implications for practice, the EMSM is a reliable and validated instrument for the Mexican population and can be used by health professionals to identify sexual distress that may lead to future sexual health problems, particularly in vulnerable populations. As a brief scale, it will facilitate administration in clinical and community settings and may serve as a guide for identifying the effectiveness of treatments in individuals with sexual health problems. In research settings, it could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at identifying improvements in sexual health.

Finally, some study limitations should be considered. The sample consisted exclusively of young male university students, which limits the generalizability of the results to other stages of the life cycle, gender identities, and diverse sociocultural contexts. Likewise, the cross-sectional design prevented the assessment of the instrument’s temporal stability; therefore, future research should incorporate test-retest reliability analyses and explore additional evidence of validity, such as convergent and discriminant validity. Despite these limitations, the results provide relevant evidence regarding the validity and reliability of the EMSM and lay the groundwork for its use in research and clinical practice. Future studies are recommended to include women and to differentiate among individuals from the LGBTQ+ community in order to identify whether invariance exists within the population. Likewise, validations should be conducted in other age groups, such as middle-aged and older adults, using the initial 13 items of the scale.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the EMSM showed adequate psychometric properties for the assessment of sexual distress in men, with solid evidence of content validity, structural validity, and high reliability. The confirmation of a unidimensional structure supports the conceptualization of sexual distress as a global construct centered on subjective experience, beyond sexual functioning. These findings support the use of the EMSM as a valid and reliable tool for research and clinical practice, particularly in contexts where instruments specific to the male population are lacking. Nevertheless, future studies are recommended to expand the evidence of validity and evaluate its temporal stability in more diverse populations.

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Notes

Funding: none

Conflicts of interest: none

Author notes

a Correspondence author: geu_mendoza@uaeh.edu.mx

Additional information

How to cite: Librado-González N, Mendoza-Catalán G, Carvalho-Gomes I, Ángel-García J, Ramírez-Calderón AJ, Validation and Adaptation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Mexican Male University Students. Univ Med. 2026;67. https://doi.org/10.11144/Javeriana.umed67.vasd

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