Iván C Balán
Biographic Data
| ID | 886710 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Iván C Balán |
| GIVEN NAMES | Iván C |
| FAMILY NAME | Balán |
| SIGNATURE | BALÁN I C |
| AFFILIATIONS | New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute |
| ORCID | 0009-0003-9954-5720 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 59 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 84 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 59 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2004 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
Mechanisms of Action and Preliminary Impact of a Stigma-Mitigation Training to Enable Healthcare Discussions About Anal Pleasure and Health in China
Stigma toward anal sex impedes engagement in health services that are vital to Ending the HIV Epidemic. We evaluated a stigma-reduction training to build HIV worker capacity to address anal pleasure and health during HIV service encounters in China. In a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we assessed the training's preliminary impact on anal health promotion activities and, based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, mechanisms of actio…
History of Rectal Product Use and Country of Residence Influence Preference for Rectal Microbicide Dosage Forms Among Young Sexual and Gender Minorities
Depression Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Persons Participating in Two Randomized Trials of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring and Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and …
Acceptability of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring and Daily Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) during Pregnancy in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe
Pregnant and lactating persons in sub-Saharan Africa face a heightened risk of HIV acquisition, due to biological and behavioral factors, combined with limited access to prevention and treatment services. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dapivirine vaginal ring are promising tools for HIV prevention, and the ring's recent approval in multiple African countries represents a significant advancement in expanding access to HIV prevention.…
Acceptability of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring and Oral Truvada Among African Users in Late-Stage of Pregnancy
The Microbicide Trials Network 042 study (MTN-042/DELIVER) is a two-arm, randomized, open-label Phase 3b trial that is evaluating the safety, adherence, and acceptability of the monthly ring and daily oral PrEP among HIV-uninfected pregnant people in four African countries. This analysis focuses on acceptability data captured qualitatively from a subset (n = 48) of the 150 people in the first cohort of the trial who were enrolled in late-stage pr…
Building an HIV Learning Health Care Community for Youth in Florida
Transgender Women’s Experiences Using SMARTtest, a Smartphone Application to Facilitate Self- and Partner-HIV/Syphilis Testing Using the INSTI Multiplex
The role of case management in HIV treatment adherence
Adherence to care and antiretroviral therapy is challenging, especially for people living with HIV (PLWH) with additional co-occurring risk factors. Case management interventions, including motivational interviewing (MI), show promise to improve HIV treatment adherence, but few studies have examined how such interventions are delivered to or experienced by PLWH who have been reengaged in care. We conducted qualitative interviews with six case man…
Women’s experience receiving drug feedback and adherence counseling in MTN-025/Hope - an HIV Prevention open-label trial of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring
Negotiating Use of a Blood-Based, Dual HIV and Syphilis Test with Potential Sexual Partners Among a Sample of Cisgender Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men in New York City
How Stigma Toward Anal Sexuality Promotes Concealment and Impedes Health-Seeking Behavior in the U.S. Among Cisgender Men Who Have Sex with Men
Infrequent STI Testing in New York City Among High Risk Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals Interested In Self- and Partner-Testing
Acceptability and Use of a Dual HIV/Syphilis Rapid Test and Accompanying Smartphone App to Facilitate Self- and Partner-Testing Among Cisgender Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men
Inconsistent Counselor Fidelity in Delivering an Evidence-Based Adherence Intervention During a PrEP Trial
Experiences of Transgender Women Who Used a Dual HIV/Syphilis Rapid Self-test to Screen Themselves and Potential Sexual Partners (the SMARTtest Study)
Counselors’ acceptability of adherence counseling session recording, fidelity monitoring, and feedback in a multi-site HIV prevention study in four African countries
Biomedical HIV prevention trials increasingly include evidence-based adherence counseling to encourage product use. To retain effectiveness, interventions must contain key components. Monitoring counseling fidelity ensures inclusion of components but is challenging in multinational contexts with different languages and scarce local supervision. The MTN-025/HOPE Study, a Phase 3b open-label trial to assess continued safety of and adherence to the …
Implementation of a fidelity monitoring process to assess delivery of an evidence-based adherence counseling intervention in a multi-site biomedical HIV prevention study
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) trials often implement counseling to support product adherence. Counseling fidelity can vary significantly across providers and time. Fidelity monitoring can ensure that counseling is delivered as designed. We describe the process, feasibility, and outcomes of monitoring Options counseling fidelity in an open-label study of the dapivirine vaginal ring MTN-025/HOPE. After initial training, 63 counselors from 14 site…
Substance Use and Testing Sexual Partners Using HIV Self-tests
Information and Motivation Predict HIV-Serostatus Among a Population of High-Risk Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men
Few Aggressive or Violent Incidents are Associated with the Use of HIV Self-tests to Screen Sexual Partners Among Key Populations
Using an HIV Self-test Kit to Test a Partner
Then We Looked at His Results
Broaching the Topic of HIV Self-testing with Potential Sexual Partners Among Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men in New York and Puerto Rico
Sharing Objective Measures of Adherence to a Vaginal Microbicide Promotes Candor About Actual Use and Bolsters Motivation to Prevent HIV
Client-Centered Adherence Counseling with Adherence Measurement Feedback to Support Use of the Dapivirine Ring in MTN-025 (The Hope Study)
Race-Based Sexual Stereotyping and Sexual Partnering Among Men Who Use the Internet to Identify Other Men for Bareback Sex
This qualitative study used sexual scripting theory to explore sexual stereotyping and sexual partnering practices among a racially diverse sample of men who use the Internet to engage in "bareback" sex with other men. The sample included 81 (73%) HIV-negative and 30 (27%) HIV-positive men who were recruited on Web sites where men seek other men to have bareback sex. Participants completed a semi-structured interview that included topics on their…
Recalled Sexual Experiences in Childhood with Older Partners
Inner Contradictions Among Men Who Bareback
Barebacking, or intentional unprotected anal intercourse when HIV transmission can occur, emerged as a descriptive term in the 1990s, and marked greater acceptance by gay and bisexual men of dispensing with condom use under certain circumstances. In an exploratory study of men who used Internet sites to meet partners and reported recent episodes of barebacking, respondents outlined numerous strategies they deployed to avoid HIV infection instead …
Will Gay and Bisexually Active Men at High Risk of Infection Use Over-the-Counter Rapid HIV Tests to Screen Sexual Partners
The Food and Drug Administration may license OraQuickTM, a rapid HIV test, for over-the-counter (OTC) sale. This study investigated whether HIV-uninfected, non-monogamous, gay and bisexual men who never or rarely use condoms would use the test with partners as a harm-reduction approach. Sixty participants responded to two computer-assisted self-interviews, underwent an in-depth interview, and chose whether to test themselves with OraQuick. Over 8…
Are HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men and Who Bareback Concerned About HIV Infection? Implications for HIV Risk Reduction Interventions
Prevención del VIH/Sida en los circuitos de levante HSH
A partir de un relevamiento de tipo etnográfico, este artículo describe prácticas sexuales y lugares de encuentro de HSH (Hombres que tienen Sexo con Hombres) en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Tales espacios, así como las características que asumen en ellos los encuentros sexuales, delinean obstáculos específicos en la adopción de comportamientos preventivos, y generan nuevos desafíos para las actividades de prevención. Se plantean además dificultade…
Looking for a tall, dark, macho man … sexual‐role behaviour variations in Latino gay and bisexual men
A community recruited sample of Latino gay and bisexual men in New York were asked to indicate their likelihood of adopting the insertive (activo) or receptive (pasivo) roles in oral and anal sex according to partners' characteristics. The results show that gender stereotypes of masculinity and femininity play an important role in the sexual behaviour of this population. Versatile individuals report higher likelihood of taking a pasivo sexual rol…
A randomized controlled trial to test an HIV-prevention intervention for Latino gay and bisexual men
At the time of this writing, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention to reduce unsafe sex among Latino gay and bisexual men (LGBM) had been published. We report the results of an RCT conducted in New York City in which 180 LGBM were assigned either to an intervention developed specifically for this population or to a wait-list control group. The intervention was based on empowerment theory and used factors identified in prior rese…
Acceptability of tenofovir gel as a vaginal microbicide by US male participants in a Phase I clinical trial (HPTN 050)
We studied the acceptability of tenofovir gel among HIV-infected and uninfected men who were exposed to it during vaginal intercourse. The gel was found to be highly acceptable to most men, the large majority indicating they would probably use it in the future if they were concerned about HIV and the product were available. Men liked the gel's transparency and odorless qualities, although reactions to its viscosity were more varied. Men acknowled…
The Use of Rectal Douches among HIV-uninfected and Infected Men who Have Unprotected Receptive Anal Intercourse
Knowledge and acceptability of alternative HIV prevention bio-medical products among MSM who bareback
Condom use is the best available strategy to prevent HIV infection during sexual intercourse. However, since many people choose not to use condoms in circumstances in which HIV risk exists, alternatives to condom use for HIV prevention are needed. Currently there are several alternative bio-medical HIV-prevention products in different stages of development: microbicides, vaccines, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP…
Is ‘bareback’ a useful construct in primary HIV‐prevention? Definitions, identity and research
The terms bareback and bareback identity are increasingly being used in academic discourse on HIV/AIDS without clear operationalization. Using in-depth, face-to-face interviews with an ethnically diverse sample of 120 HIV-infected and -uninfected men, mainly gay-identifying and recruited online in New York City, this study explored respondents' definitions of bareback sex, the role that intentionality and risk played in those definitions, and whe…
Race-Based Sexual Stereotyping and Sexual Partnering Among Men Who Use the Internet to Identify Other Men for Bareback Sex
This qualitative study used sexual scripting theory to explore sexual stereotyping and sexual partnering practices among a racially diverse sample of men who use the Internet to engage in "bareback" sex with other men. The sample included 81 (73%) HIV-negative and 30 (27%) HIV-positive men who were recruited on Web sites where men seek other men to have bareback sex. Participants completed a semi-structured interview that included topics on their…
Prevención del VIH/Sida en los circuitos de levante HSH
A partir de un relevamiento de tipo etnográfico, este artículo describe prácticas sexuales y lugares de encuentro de HSH (Hombres que tienen Sexo con Hombres) en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Tales espacios, así como las características que asumen en ellos los encuentros sexuales, delinean obstáculos específicos en la adopción de comportamientos preventivos, y generan nuevos desafíos para las actividades de prevención. Se plantean además dificultade…
Sexual Pleasure and Intimacy Among Men Who Engage in “Bareback Sex”
High Prevalence of Substance Use Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Use of a Rapid HIV Home Test Prevents HIV Exposure in a High Risk Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men
The study assessed whether at-risk HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM) who never or rarely use condoms and have multiple partners would use a rapid, oral fluid, HIV home test (HT) to screen potential sexual partners. Participants received 16 HT kits, were monitored weekly for 3 months, and then interviewed in depth. Twenty-seven ethnically diverse MSM used HT kits before intercourse with approximately 100 partners in private and public…
Will Gay and Bisexually Active Men at High Risk of Infection Use Over-the-Counter Rapid HIV Tests to Screen Sexual Partners
The Food and Drug Administration may license OraQuickTM, a rapid HIV test, for over-the-counter (OTC) sale. This study investigated whether HIV-uninfected, non-monogamous, gay and bisexual men who never or rarely use condoms would use the test with partners as a harm-reduction approach. Sixty participants responded to two computer-assisted self-interviews, underwent an in-depth interview, and chose whether to test themselves with OraQuick. Over 8…
Recalled Sexual Experiences in Childhood with Older Partners
Inner Contradictions Among Men Who Bareback
Barebacking, or intentional unprotected anal intercourse when HIV transmission can occur, emerged as a descriptive term in the 1990s, and marked greater acceptance by gay and bisexual men of dispensing with condom use under certain circumstances. In an exploratory study of men who used Internet sites to meet partners and reported recent episodes of barebacking, respondents outlined numerous strategies they deployed to avoid HIV infection instead …
Attitude and Behavior Changes Among Gay and Bisexual Men After Use of Rapid Home HIV Tests to Screen Sexual Partners
The Impact of Rapid HIV Home Test Use with Sexual Partners on Subsequent Sexual Behavior Among Men Who have Sex with Men
HIV Knowledge and Beliefs Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Are HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men and Who Bareback Concerned About HIV Infection? Implications for HIV Risk Reduction Interventions
Where to Go With Barebacking Research
We appreciate the careful reading by Mr. Shawn Chrisman of our article (Frasca, Ventuneac, Balan, & Carballo-Dieguez, 2012). Chrisman correctly notes that we found intentional pursuit of HIV infection (“bug chasing”) to be rare. In fact, among our sample of 120 sexually active men who reported barebacking with partners met via the Internet, not a single such case was reported
HIV testing practices among men who have sex with men in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The objective of the study was to explore HIV-testing practices among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in light of current international health guidelines that recommend frequent HIV testing for MSM who engage in high-risk behavior. Participants, who were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), were 500 mostly young, nongay-identified MSM of low socioeconomic status, high levels of unemployment, living mainly …
Venues, Patrons, and Alcohol Use Dynamics
Anticipated and Actual Reactions to Receiving HIV Positive Results Through Self-Testing Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Fingerprick Versus Oral Swab
Mixed-Method Evaluation of Social Media-Based Tools and Traditional Strategies to Recruit High-Risk and Hard-to-Reach Populations into an HIV Prevention Intervention Study
Brief Participant-Centered Convergence Interviews Integrate Self-Reports, Product Returns, and Pharmacokinetic Results to Improve Adherence Measurement in MTN-017
Medicine (57 works) · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions (54 works) · Family medicine (44 works) · Psychology (44 works) · Men who have sex with men (41 works) · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk (39 works) · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV (39 works) · Public health (36 works) · Health psychology (32 works) · Syphilis (29 works)