Emily Ahner

Ms. Emily Ahner

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 May 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EAEmily Ahner
Emily Ahner
IGIren Gharibyan
Iren Gharibyan
ABAnn Beck
Ann Beck
SMSamrawit Misiker
Samrawit Misiker
CLChristine Lee
Christine Lee
NGNadia Gomez
Nadia Gomez
Background: TikTok has emerged as a major source of health information, including content related to intrauterine devices (IUDs). However, the accuracy, quality, and engagement patterns of IUD-related content on this platform remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated the informational quality, thematic focus, misinformation prevalence, and engagement metrics of widely viewed IUD-related TikTok videos. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional content analysis was conducted of TikTok videos retrieved using 12 IUD-related search terms. Engagement metrics, creator characteristics, and content features were extracted, including educational, testimonial, and advice-seeking videos. Advice-seeking videos were included to capture user-generated concerns and inquiries that may influence engagement with health-related content on social media platforms. Informational reliability and quality were assessed using the Modified DISCERN instrument and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Differences across groups were examined using t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. Results: A total of 458 videos were included. Nearly half were testimonial or advice-seeking (47.8%), while 38.9% were educational. Most content was produced by non-healthcare creators (76.4%). Engagement metrics did not differ significantly across video type, source, or creator qualification (all p > 0.05). Frequently discussed topics included adverse effects (36.5%), insertion experiences (31.2%), and device removal or discontinuation (19.9%). Overall informational quality was low, with mean GQS and Modified DISCERN scores of 2.0 and 1.8, respectively. Physician-created content demonstrated significantly higher quality and reliability scores (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Widely viewed IUD-related TikTok content demonstrates high engagement but generally low informational quality.

8 August 2026 in Cureus
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EAEmily Ahner
Emily Ahner
KHKhalid Haikal
Khalid Haikal
SVSannah Vasaya
Sannah Vasaya
PJPaul Janda
Paul Janda
AVAroucha Vickers
Aroucha Vickers
The neurologic manifestations of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome continue to expand and include a spectrum of immune-mediated neuropathies such as Miller Fisher syndrome, Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis, and optic neuropathy. Asialo-GM1 antibodies are associated with motor or sensorimotor neuropathies, particularly multifocal motor neuropathy. Reports describing concurrent seropositivity for anti-GQ1b and asialo-GM1 antibodies presenting with unilateral facial weakness and limb symptoms remain scarce. A 55-year-old woman with chronic back pain initially presented to an outside facility with new-onset left lower motor neuron facial palsy accompanied by paresthesia and extremity weakness. Neuro-axis MRI demonstrated moderate-to-severe multilevel spinal and neuroforaminal stenosis. She was discharged with prednisone and acyclovir for presumed idiopathic Bell’s palsy. Shortly thereafter, she presented to our institution with worsening symptoms. Examination revealed diminished strength, hypoesthesia, and decreased reflexes with a persistent left lower motor neuron cranial nerve VII palsy. The remainder of the cranial nerve examination was normal, and there was no ophthalmoplegia or ataxia. Lumbar puncture demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation. A ganglioside antibody panel was positive for anti-GQ1b and asialo-GM1 antibodies. This case highlights an unusual presentation of concurrent anti-GQ1b and asialo-GM1 antibody positivity manifesting as unilateral facial palsy and limb weakness initially attributed to Bell’s Palsy. Recognition of ganglioside antibody syndromes as potential mimickers of Bell’s palsy is essential to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of neurological morbidity.

13 April 2026 in BMC Medical Education
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IGIren Gharibyan
Iren Gharibyan
EAEmily Ahner
Emily Ahner
ICIvan Gonzalez Corral
Ivan Gonzalez Corral
ESEdward Simanton
Edward Simanton
Students from families with higher levels of educational attainment are consistently overrepresented in medicine, whereas first-generation college students

7 September 2026 in JMIR Preprints
Verified
Preprint
Open access
AWAlexandra Wuopio1
Alexandra Wuopio1
JBJai Bitsoih
Jai Bitsoih
MEMarianne Estrada
Marianne Estrada
JAJoseph Aharoni
Joseph Aharoni
ESEduardo Soto
Eduardo Soto
KAVITA BatraKAVITA Batra
KAVITA Batra
BACKGROUND Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of health, especially during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This developmental period spans from 10–25 years and is characterized by sexual health challenges such as high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Inconsistent sexual health education across the United States contributes to gaps in knowledge regarding safer practices, consent, and sexual identity. Vulnerable populations, such as college students and LGBTQ+ individuals, face compounded risks from sexual assault and substance use. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to map and characterize interdisciplinary sexual health education programs for young adults (aged 18 years and older) in the United States and to summarize their reported impact on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward safer sex practices. By synthesizing the range of existing programs, the review will inform recommendations to improve the accessibility and consistency of sexual health education. METHODS Eligible studies focus on young adult sexual health programs with interdisciplinary collaboration (including medicine, social work, psychology, nursing, and dentistry). Studies will be limited to those published in English within the United States. Five electronic databases, namely PubMed, Embase, ERIC, APA PsycInfo, and CINAHL will be searched for published reports. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts. The reviewers will then assess the full texts selected. In both cases, disagreements will be discussed with a third reviewer and consensus will be achieved. Data analysis will be descriptive with a narrative summary. RESULTS The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework in 2025, and database searches were completed on November 10, 2024. The searches identified 3,379 records; after removal of 312 duplicates, 3,067 records were screened, 53 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and charting are underway, and the narrative synthesis of findings is expected to be completed in 2026. Dissemination through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations is anticipated in 2027. CONCLUSIONS By characterizing the disciplines, delivery settings, content, and reported outcomes of interdisciplinary sexual health education programs, this review will provide a foundation for developing more coordinated, equitable, and evidence-based approaches for young adults. Because the study analyzes previously published data and does not involve human participants, institutional ethical review is not required. CLINICALTRIAL Open Science Framework; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DJC82 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR1-10.2196/111464