William H. Farquhar Middle School, Olney, MD. Photo credit: Patrick Ross
School Health Research Library
We have curated a library of peer-reviewed scientific studies from around the world published since 2016, focusing on the school built environment and occupant health and performance. This research builds on the 2017 Schools for Health: Foundations for Student Success report released by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that synthesizes foundational research about school indoor environmental quality impacts on students and staff.
To help translate this research into action in schools, we have compiled School Health Research Highlights to help school staff and leaders access key findings and actionable strategies on priority topics.
Displaying 121 - 130 of 585 | Export entire research library
Ventilation Rates in Recently Constructed U.S. School Classrooms
Batterman, Stuart
Study measured ventilation rates in 37 U.S. school classrooms using multiple methods, revealing low rates that may impact comfort, learning, and health; highlights need for improvement without compromising energy goals.
Keywords: Air change, Carbon dioxide (CO2), High-performance buildings, Ventilation
High-Efficiency Air Cleaning Reduces Indoor Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Alters Indoor Air Chemistry in a Near-Roadway School
Laguerre, Aurélie
Pre/post renovation study measured how advanced air cleaning reduced indoor traffic-related pollution in a school near a freeway; findings highlight air quality improvements that support student health and equity.
Keywords:
Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis Among School-Children in Dschang, Western Cameroon
Agokeng, D. A. J.
A cross-sectional study of 1,070 Cameroonian schoolchildren assessed the prevalence of tinea capitis infections, identifying fungal species and key risk factors such as water source and sibling contact, highlighting the need for targeted public…
Keywords: Microsporum audouinii, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton soudanense, Dermatophytes, Epidemiology, School children, Tinea capitis
COVID-19 infections in English schools and the households of students and staff 2020–21: a self-controlled case-series analysis
McClenaghan, Elliot
Using a self-controlled case-series approach, this study examined COVID-19 incidence among English schoolchildren and staff, showing elevated infection risk near household cases, particularly among younger students and during the alpha variant…
Keywords: Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Schools, Self-controlled case-series, Transmission
Urinary biomarkers of environmental exposures and asthma morbidity in a school inner city asthma study
Hauptman, Marissa
Using urinary biomarker data, this study analyzed chemical exposures and asthma outcomes among inner-city children, revealing associations that varied by race, ethnicity, and allergen sensitivity, underscoring the need for targeted public health…
Keywords: Chemical mixtures, childhood asthma, Schools, Urinary biomarkers
Unveiling soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors in rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia
Mohd Johari, S. N.
A cross-sectional study among 638 rural Malaysian schoolchildren aged 7–11 assessed soil-transmitted helminth prevalence (54.5%) and risk factors, finding high infection rates linked to sanitation, hygiene, and socioeconomic status.
Keywords: Malaysia, Prevalence, Risk factors, Rural, Soil-transmitted helminths
The prevalence and risk factors of hoarseness among pupils in elementary schools in the South of Finland
Putus, T
Using survey data and logistic regression, this study analyzed risk factors for hoarseness among Finnish schoolchildren, finding strong associations with noise, indoor air quality, and microbial smells in elementary school buildings.
Keywords: Voice problems, Air quality, Elementary school buildings, Hoarseness, Indoor environment
Home and school pollutant exposure, respiratory outcomes, and influence of historical redlining
Jung, Kyung Hwa
Analyzing geospatial pollutant data and clinical outcomes, this study finds that children in historically redlined U.S. neighborhoods face higher NO₂ exposure and experience stronger links between PM₂.₅ exposure and asthma severity, underscoring the…
Keywords: Home environment, School environment, Combined home and school exposure, Traffic-related air pollution, Lung function, Asthma severity, Composite asthma severity index, Asthma disparities
Infection epidemiological effects of school closures during the second COVID-19 pandemic wave—an exemplary analysis within a lower Bavarian region
Deckart, Christine
Using interrupted time series analysis and regression modeling, this study assessed infection trends in Bavaria during the second COVID-19 wave, finding school closures significantly reduced cases among 6–18-year-olds.
Keywords: Incidence, Interrupted times series analysis, Public health response, SARS-CoV-2, Schools
Keeping schools open during the emergence of the COVID-19 alpha variant: Impact on the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among children during the 2020–2021 school year in France
Abdad, Leila
Analyzing surveillance data, this study assessed SARS-CoV-2 spread among French children during the 2020–2021 school year, finding that school openings during the alpha wave were linked to testing outcomes but not major shifts in incidence.
Keywords: Adolescents, SARS-CoV-2, Schools, Surveillance