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 181 - 190 of 585 | Export entire research library
Assessing the National Health, Education, and Air Quality Benefits of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s School Bus Rebate Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial Design
Adar, Sara D.
This randomized trial evaluated the US EPA’s School Bus Rebate Program. Replacing old buses improved attendance, test scores, and reduced PM2.5, providing evidence of educational and health benefits from cleaner school transportation.
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Epidemiology of intestinal parasitosis in schoolchildren in the Moughatâa of Riyadh (Nouakchott)
Ba, Ousmane
This study used surveys and stool tests to assess intestinal parasites among Mauritanian primary students. A 3.08% prevalence, mainly protozoa, provides evidence to support public health efforts to improve school hygiene and reduce parasitic burden.
Keywords: Intestinal parasitoses, Schools, Epidemiology, Hygiene, Entamoeba, Hymenolepis nana, Mauritania
An outbreak associated with Escherichia albertii in a junior high school, China
Huang, Shiwang
This study analyzed an Escherichia albertii outbreak in a Chinese junior high school using patient data, swabs, and genome sequencing. With 22 cases, findings support improved foodborne outbreak tracking and genomic surveillance in schools.
Keywords: Escherichia albertii, Foodborne pathogen, Gastroenteritis, Outbreaks, Whole-genome sequencing
The influence of activity patterns and relative humidity on particle resuspension in classrooms
Yuan, Feng
This study used experiments and modeling to examine how children’s activity and humidity affect particulate matter resuspension in classrooms. Movement speed, density, and humidity influenced PM levels, informing strategies to improve school air…
Keywords: Indoor air quality, Particle resuspension, Activity patterns, Relative humidity
Gut-microbiome profiles among Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infected Ethiopian children enrolled in the school-based mass deworming program
Taye, Bineyam
This study assessed gut microbiomes in Ethiopian schoolchildren using stool sampling and 16S rRNA sequencing. Trichuris trichiura infection reduced microbial diversity, highlighting the need to balance deworming programs with microbiome health…
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Prevalence and risk factors of myopia among children and adolescents in Hangzhou
Zhao, Lijuan
This cross-sectional study assessed myopia prevalence and risk factors among children in Hangzhou, China. Regression analysis identified age, screen time, and outdoor activity as key influences, supporting preventive strategies for childhood myopia.
Keywords: Myopia, Prevalence, Regression analysis, Children, Adolescents
Epidemiological characteristics of influenza outbreaks in schools in Jiangsu Province, China, 2020–2023 post-COVID-19 pandemic
Peng, Jia-Le
This retrospective study analyzed influenza outbreaks in Jiangsu schools from 2020–2023, examining size, characteristics, and virus type. Findings support improved vaccination and targeted public health strategies to prevent school-based…
Keywords: Influenza-like cases, Outbreak, Epidemic characteristics, Schools
Listening effort in children and adults in classroom noise
Seitz, Julia
This experimental study compared listening effort in children and adults under classroom noise using dual-task paradigms. Children showed greater cognitive load and slower responses, underscoring the importance of classroom acoustics for learning.
Keywords: Listening effort, Dual-task paradigm, Auditory cognition, Hearing in children
High prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis in school-age children in the villages adjacent to Lake Chamo in the southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Ayele, Yenenesh
This cross-sectional study assessed intestinal schistosomiasis in 597 Ethiopian children near Lake Chamo using Kato-Katz analysis. A 52.3% infection rate highlights the urgent need for targeted deworming and improved public health in endemic areas.
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Ventilation in school and students' health after outbreak of COVID-19: A systematic literature review
Moelyaningrum, Anita Dewi
This systematic review analyzed global studies on school ventilation and student health post-COVID-19. Poor ventilation was linked to respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and infections, supporting improved ventilation to protect student health.
Keywords: Ventilation, School health, Students, COVID-19