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 161 - 170 of 585 | Export entire research library
Prevalence, Infection Intensity, and Risk Factors for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among School Children in Northwestern Tanzania
Justine, Nyanda C.
A cross-sectional survey of 728 students in Kagera, Tanzania used Kato–Katz and questionnaires to assess STH infections (56.2%) and risk factors like hygiene and maternal occupation. Findings support targeted deworming and hygiene education to…
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Long-term surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the school community from Campo Grande, Brazil
Alcantara, Daniel Maximo Correa
Researchers used RT-qPCR and sequencing in 23 Campo Grande schools to track SARS-CoV-2 in students and staff from 2021–2022. Findings highlight the importance of long-term school-based surveillance to inform public health response and preparedness.
Keywords: School community, School closures, Epidemiology, Genomic surveillance, Pandemic
Hearing Health at School: analysis of knowledge, behaviors and attitudes of Southern-Brazilian children and adolescents on noise
Gondim, Lys Maria Allestein
This cross-sectional study assessed hearing health habits of 1,835 6th-grade students in 32 Brazilian public schools. Results showed risky noise behaviors, low awareness of hearing protection, and links between age, sex, and tinnitus symptoms.
Keywords: Noise, Health risk behaviors, Tinnitus, Noise-induced hearing loss, School health services
Unequal Health Burden from Air Pollution among Minors in Education
Wu, Yangyang
Using 12 million health records and satellite-modeled PM2.5, this study analyzed absenteeism at 10,358 schools. A 10 μg/m³ PM2.5 rise was linked to a 4.1% increase in absences, with stronger effects in poorly built schools, highlighting…
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The effectiveness of a school-based protocol for environmental cleaning and disinfection during a pandemic: a randomized controlled pilot study
Or, Peggy Pui-Lai
A three-arm randomized trial tested a school cleaning protocol using markers and swabs. Group A (training + wipes) achieved full cleanliness, outperforming training-only and control groups, showing that training plus materials improves cleaning…
Keywords: School health, Cleaning method, Disposable wipes, Cleaning staff, Fluorescent mark
Invasive Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Disease Outbreak at an Elementary School — Michigan, May 2023
Weinberg, Meghan M.
A May 2023 outbreak of invasive nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae at a Detroit elementary school involved four kindergarteners and one death. Public health teams led contact tracing and prophylaxis, underscoring the need for rapid outbreak response.
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The effects of urban green space and road proximity to indoor traffic-related PM2.5, NO2, and BC exposure in inner-city schools
Matthaios, Vasilios N.
Researchers studied 74 U.S. inner-city schools over 10 years, measuring indoor PM2.5, NO2, and black carbon. Schools farther from major roads and with more green space had lower pollutant levels, highlighting design’s role in reducing student…
Keywords: Air pollution, Child exposure, Particulate matter (PM), Environmental monitoring
School holidays and respiratory syncytial virus transmission in Sweden: An interrupted time series analysis
Dallagiacoma, Giulia
Using 2021–2023 national data, researchers applied interrupted time series analysis to assess how school holidays affected RSV in Sweden. A post–fall break drop, especially in infants, was observed, highlighting the complexity of seasonal virus…
Keywords: Bronchiolitis, Child health, Public health, RSV
Effect of Face Mask on Lowering COVID-19 Incidence in School Settings: A Systematic Review
Viera, Luka
Researchers reviewed 14 studies on school mask use and COVID-19 in five countries. Ten found reduced incidence, while others showed no or negative effects. Findings highlight methodological gaps and the need for stronger study designs.
Keywords: COVID-19, Mask mandate, School children
Impact of a school‑based water and hygiene intervention on child health and school attendance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cluster‑randomised controlled trial
Bick, Sarah
A cluster-randomised trial in 60 Addis Ababa schools assessed WASH interventions among 6,229 children. Respiratory illness fell by 16%, but no effects were seen on diarrhoea or absence, suggesting limited impact of WASH programs on attendance and…
Keywords: School health, Hand hygiene, Water, Respiratory illness, Diarrhoea, School absence, Ethiopia