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 151 - 160 of 585 | Export entire research library
The impact of temperature, humidity and closing school on the mumps epidemic: a case study in the mainland of China
Li, Xiaoqun
Using a SEILR model and 2004–2018 mumps data, this study evaluated the effects of temperature, humidity, and school closures in China. Temperature had the strongest influence, supporting environmental controls and vaccination to reduce transmission.
Keywords: Mumps, Basic reproduction number, Humidity, School opening and closing, Data fitting
The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Heat
Bultas, Margaret W.
This review outlines heat-related health risks for school-age children and strategies school nurses can use to prevent and manage heat illness. It emphasizes preparedness, environmental factors, and policy recommendations for U.S. schools.
Keywords: School nursing, Climate change, Anthropocene, School-aged children, Climate-associated illness, Water-related disease, Environmental health, Parents
Legislative review and recommendations for improving sun protection in schools
Freeman, Timothy
Authors systematically reviewed U.S. laws on sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and shade access in schools. Findings revealed inconsistent state policies and major gaps in student sun protection, highlighting opportunities for policy reform and advocacy.
Keywords: Legislation, primary prevention, Schools, Skin cancer, Sun safety
Association among polydisperse aerodynamic size of bioaerosols, biodiversity and urbanization in kindergartens
Lin, Tzu-Hsien
Researchers sampled airborne bacteria in three Taiwanese kindergartens using cascade impactors. Findings linked urbanization to reduced microbial diversity and altered particle sizes, raising concerns about environmental health risks for young…
Keywords: Kindergarten, Human-associated bacteria, Bioaerosol, Size distribution, Biodiversity
Test-treat-track-test-treat (5T) approach for Schistosoma haematobium elimination on Pemba Island, Tanzania
Trippler, Lydia
This study tested a 5T (test-treat-track-test-treat) approach to eliminate Schistosoma haematobium in low-prevalence Tanzanian areas. Combining school, household, and waterbody interventions, the strategy maintained low infection rates and supports…
Keywords: Interventions, Case finding, Elimination, Interruption of transmission, Mass drug administration, Schistosomiasis, Schistosoma haematobium, Surveillance response, Test-and-treat., Test-treat-track-test-treat, Zanzibar
SARS-CoV-2 in Mozambican primary school-aged children at Maputo City and Province: a cross-sectional study from a low-income country
Bauhofer, Adilson Fernando Loforte
This cross-sectional study used antigen and antibody tests in 736 Mozambican schoolchildren, finding low active SARS-CoV-2 infection (0.5%) but high antibody prevalence (80.7%). Urban children had higher exposure odds, supporting targeted public…
Keywords: Prevalence, SARS-CoV-2, School-aged children, Maputo, Mozambique
Survey on pattern of myopia in school children in Hangzhou after the COVID-19 pandemic: a school-based vision screening study
He, Ting
This five-year vision screening study of 79,000 Chinese students tracked myopia trends before, during, and after COVID-19. Results showed a sharp rise during the pandemic, partial recovery, and a recent rebound, with younger children most affected.
Keywords: Myopia, Children, COVID-19, Vision screening, Prevalence
Within-household SARS-CoV-2 transmission and vaccine effectiveness in the first three COVID-19 school outbreaks in northern Viet Nam, September–December 2021
Vu, Trang Thu
This retrospective cohort study analyzed 157 students and 540 contacts during three COVID-19 outbreaks in Viet Nam. Household secondary attack rate was 24.6%, and vaccine effectiveness was 39%, supporting household vaccination during school…
Keywords:
Daylight and Electric Lighting in Primary and Secondary School Classrooms in the UK—An Observational Study
Price, Luke L. A.
Researchers measured lighting levels, spectrum, and flicker in UK classrooms using loggers and grid assessments. Many rooms lacked recommended daylight exposure, highlighting the need for improved lighting design to support student health and vision.
Keywords: Daylight, Lighting, Children, Classrooms, Myopia, Light logging, Illuminance, Spectrum, Melanopic EDI, Flicker
School knowledge of infectious diseases in schools: conducting surveillance and on-demand, symptomatic respiratory viral testing in a large pre-kindergarten–12th grade school district
Schuster, Jennifer E.
This study used surveillance and PCR testing on 6,315 respiratory specimens from a Missouri school district, with 28% testing positive. Results show that school-based surveillance can detect outbreaks early and support effective public health…
Keywords: Acute respiratory illness, Respiratory virus, Students, Teachers, Surveillance