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 171 - 180 of 585 | Export entire research library
A Possible Nocebo Effect in Children Following the Flint Water Crisis: Evidence From Schoolteacher Perceptions and Neuropsychological Evaluations
Roy, Siddhartha
Researchers surveyed Flint and Detroit teachers and reviewed neuropsychological evaluations post–Flint Water Crisis. Flint teachers reported more student harm concerns despite lower lead levels, suggesting a nocebo effect may influence educational…
Keywords: Flint water crisis, Lead poisoning, Negative labeling, Nocebo effect, Teacher perceptions
Prevalence of schistosomiasis among school children at Esuekyir community in the Central Region of Ghana
Opoku-Kwabi, Denzel
A cross-sectional study of 246 Ghanaian schoolchildren used urine and stool microscopy to detect schistosomiasis. Urogenital and intestinal infections were 15.5% and 7.0%, respectively, highlighting the need for MDA and improved WASH to reduce…
Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, Urogenital schistosomiasis, Intestinal schistosomiasis
Persistent transmission of soil-transmitted helminths despite 16 years of uninterrupted Mebendazole- and ivermectin-based preventive chemotherapy in the Lomie Health District (East Region, Cameroon): The emergency of complementary control strategies
Efon-Ekangouo, Arnauld
A cross-sectional study in 10 Cameroonian schools analyzed stool from 491 children using Kato-Katz. STH prevalence was 83.9%, mainly Trichuris trichiura. Poor WASH compliance, despite deworming programs, suggests gaps in current control strategies.
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Indoor Air Quality at an Urban Primary School in Madrid (Spain): Influence of Surrounding Environment and Occupancy
Alonso-Blanco, Elisabeth
Indoor and outdoor air quality measurements at a Madrid primary school assessed particulate matter, ultrafine particles, and black carbon. Traffic and indoor activity influenced IAQ, supporting targeted strategies to protect children’s health.
Keywords: Indoor air quality, Indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio, Primary schools, Black carbon, Ultrafine particles, particulate matter
Use of passive samplers as sewage surveillance tool to monitor a hepatitis A outbreak at a school in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct 2022 – March 2023
de Jong, Maarten
Using passive samplers, researchers collected 88 sewage samples near a primary school during a hepatitis A outbreak, detecting HAV RNA in 25%. Sequencing linked samples to cases, supporting wastewater surveillance to improve outbreak monitoring in…
Keywords: Sewage sampling, Passive samplers, Hepatitis A, Outbreak detection, Sewage monitoring
Health Benefits to Vulnerable Populations by Meeting Particle-Level Guidelines Inside Schools with Different Ventilation Conditions
Rathi, Shubham
This study measured particle levels in four Kanpur schools, comparing ventilation types. Modeling showed that meeting ISHRAE Class C guidelines reduced lung particle deposition, supporting improved filtration to reduce respiratory risks in polluted…
Keywords: Classrooms, Particles, Filtration, Ventilation, Lung deposition
Visual Environment in Schools and Student Depressive Symptoms: Insights from a Prospective Study Across Multiple Cities in Eastern China
Zhang, Xiyan
This prospective cohort study of 15,000+ students in eastern China examined school visual environment factors and depression. Better lighting, air quality, green space, and exercise were linked to lower depressive symptoms, informing school mental…
Keywords: School visual environment, Students, Vision impairment, Depression symptoms
Norovirus Outbreaks in a Nursery School in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Gomes, Karina A.
This study described two norovirus outbreaks at a Buenos Aires nursery school in 2018 and 2020, identifying GII.4 [P16] and GI.3 [P13] strains. Spread via food, surfaces, and contact highlights the need for stronger surveillance and hygiene in…
Keywords: Norovirus, Outbreak, Acute gastroenteritis
A Statewide Program to Test and Reduce Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Child Cares
Leonard, Laura T.
This study evaluated Colorado’s Test & Fix Water for Kids program, which tested 53,000 fixtures for lead. Seven percent exceeded 5 ppb, often unused post-COVID. Remediation through fixture replacement and signage supports reducing lead exposure…
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tinea Capitis Among Primary School Children in the Grand Lomé Region (Togo), 2021: A Cross‐Sectional and Case–Control Study Approach
Dorkenoo, Ameyo M.
This cross-sectional and case–control study estimated tinea capitis prevalence in Lomé, Togo schoolchildren. A 3.08% rate, mainly from Trichophyton mentagrophytes, highlights environmental and behavioral risks, supporting targeted public health…
Keywords: Dermatophytes, Lomé, Prevalence, Risk factors, School children, Tinea capitis, Togo