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 221 - 230 of 585 | Export entire research library
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among elementary school children in Stockholm: Associations with asthma, allergies, and home and school environment
Bloom, Erica
FeNO was measured in 415 Swedish schoolchildren and linked to asthma, allergy, and environmental factors. FeNO rose with asthma, allergy, PM10, and Gram-negative bacteria, with effects modified by sex, parental allergy, home dampness, and housing…
Keywords: Respiratory symptoms, Allergy, School environment, Endotoxins, Respirable particulate matter (PM 10)
Increased circulation of adenovirus in China during 2023–2024: Association with an increased prevalence of species B and school-associated transmission
Jin, Ronghua
Using tNGS on 1.8M respiratory cases in China, this study found HAdV species B overtook C in late 2023. Infection risk was higher in school-aged children, with spikes during school terms, highlighting schools as key transmission hubs.
Keywords: Human adrenovirus, Increased circulation, Age-specific school-associated cluster infections
Schistosoma mansoni infection and hepatitis B surface antigen carriage rate among school children in Jille Timuga District, Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia
Temesgen, Minwuyelet Maru
Researchers screened 300 schoolchildren (ages 7–14) in Northeast Ethiopia for S. mansoni and hepatitis B. Using stool and blood tests, they found 29.6% had schistosomiasis, while only 0.3% tested positive for hepatitis B. No co-infections were…
Keywords:
Effects of indoor air pollution exposure on lung function of children in selected schools in Kigali, Rwanda
Korukire, Noel
Researchers measured PM2.5 and PM10 in six Kigali schools and assessed lung function in 107 students. Children in high-exposure schools had significantly lower FEV₁, FVC, and PEF, indicating a clear link between indoor particulate pollution and…
Keywords: Air pollution, Lung function, Particulate matter (PM), School children
The application of environmental health assessment strategies to detect Streptococcus pyogenes in Kimberley school classrooms
Enkel, Stephanie
Using settle plates and swabs in 12 classrooms, this study found only 2% of surfaces positive and no Strep A in air, despite pharyngitis and impetigo cases. Results suggest limited environmental evidence for fomite, droplet, or airborne transmission…
Keywords: Streptococcus pyogenes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, Infection prevention and control, Transmission
How urbanization shapes the effectiveness of school closures on hand, foot, and mouth disease
Zhang, Yazhen
Using 2010–2019 surveillance and weather data, this study modeled HFMD transmission across China. School closures curbed spread but less effectively in urban areas; transmission rose with humidity, population, and mobility, confirmed by SEIRS and…
Keywords: Urbanization, School closures, Hand, foot, and mouth disease, Transmission potential, Human mobility
Airway Inflammation Responses to Walking Routes with Differing Air Pollution Levels in Children
Moloney, Scarlett
Children’s walks near roads and in parks showed PM and VOC levels near WHO limits. FeNO declined similarly after both, reflecting normal exercise response. Findings suggest active school travel may not elevate airway inflammation risk in low-…
Keywords: Active travel, Air quality, Airway inflamation, Children, Exposure, School routes
Risk assessment and contamination drivers for heavy metals in kindergarten resuspended dust
Wang, Peng
This study uses bio-accessibility tests, Monte Carlo simulations, and spatial modeling to assess heavy metal risks in kindergarten dust. Cr, Ni, Cd dominate contamination; industrial sources drive cancer risk even after bio-accessibility adjustment.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Bio-accessibility, Health risks, Driving factors, Dust
Improving WASH facilities and practices in Bangladeshi schools: progress and challenges from 2014 to 2018
Jahan, Farjana
Using 2014/2018 surveys, this study found Bangladeshi schools improved access to safe water (78–90%) and sanitation (19–52%). Gaps remain, especially in government and rural schools, highlighting need for targeted WASH interventions.
Keywords: School wash, Sanitation and hygiene, Wash facilities, Environmental hygiene, Bangladesh
Influenza vaccine effectiveness among primary and secondary school students in Shenzhen during the 2023/24 influenza season
Jiang, Yawen
This study found 57.1% influenza vaccine effectiveness among Shenzhen students in winter 2023/24. Protection was stronger for B/Victoria than A(H3N2), and effectiveness decreased with age.
Keywords: Seasonal variation, Vaccine effectiveness, Primary and secondary school students, Public health, Test-negative case-control study