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 481 - 490 of 680 | Export entire research library
Providing Students with Adequate School Drinking Water Access in an Era of Aging Infrastructure: A Mixed Methods Investigation
Kenney, Erica L.
Mixed-methods study of six U.S. schools found low student water intake regardless of delivery method; bottled coolers posed logistical challenges. Emphasizes need to rebuild trust in tap water.
Keywords: Schools, Drinking water, Infrastructure, Water safety, Water consumption
Prediction of Children’s Blood Lead Levels from Exposure to Lead in Schools’ Drinking Water—A Case Study in Tennessee, USA
DeSimone, Dave
This modeling study used school water lead data from a Tennessee district and EPA models (IEUBK, Bowers) to estimate blood lead levels in students. Results suggested 0.6-13.6% of students may exceed 5 µg/dL. Recommends remediation where water lead…
Keywords: Drinking water, Lead, lead-exposure, Schools, Risk, children’s health
Validation of a survey to examine drinking-water access, practices and policies in schools
Hecht, Amelie A.
Validated a school administrator survey by comparing responses with on-site observations and policy review. Found strong agreement for access items, less so for policy questions. Useful for large-scale surveillance.
Keywords: Beverages, Obesity, Students, paediatrics, Public policy
Training High School Student ‘‘Citizen Scientists’’ to Document School Water Access: A Feasibility Study
Walkinshaw, Lina Pinero
High school students were trained to document water access at 40 schools using a validated photo-evidence protocol. 99% of photos were usable. Shows feasibility of youth-led observational methods for water access surveillance.
Keywords: Water access, Citizen science, Beverages, Water, School health
Policy, programs, and activities for promotion of water, sanitation and hygiene practices in schools of India
Dakhode, Sarika U.
Review of Indian WASH programs in schools highlights progress in sanitation and water access from 1986-2016. Emphasizes integration of hygiene education and consistent policy application.
Keywords: Hygiene, programmes, Sanitation, School, WASH, Water
Stories of success: a qualitative examination of contributors to excellence in school drinking water access
Cooper, Amanda Y.
Qualitative interviews in California public schools explored barriers and facilitators to excellent drinking water access. Six key themes emerged. Results suggest targeted staffing, coordination, and community support are essential for school water…
Keywords: Qualitative research, Child health, Public policy, Water consumption, Primary schools, Secondary schools
A field investigation on adaptive thermal comfort in school buildings in the temperate climatic region of Nepal
Shrestha, Mishan
A field study of 818 students in Nepal assessed thermal comfort in naturally ventilated classrooms. Most felt comfortable at around 27 degrees Celsius. Clothing behavior influenced perception. Findings support adaptive comfort models to inform local…
Keywords: Thermal comfort, Students, Naturally ventilated school, Thermal perception, Comfort temperature, Clothing insulation
A field study of adaptive thermal comfort in primary and secondary school classrooms during winter season in Northwest China
Jiang, Jing
Field data from winter classrooms in Northwest China assessed thermal comfort in pupils aged 9-11. Results revealed lower preferred temperatures and adaptation to cold. Study informs localized heating design for rural schools.
Keywords: indoor thermal environment, Adaptive thermal comfort, Field investigation, classroom, Cold climate
A study on pupils' learning performance and thermal comfort of primary schools in China
Jiang, Jing
Experimental study in Chinese primary schools tested learning performance and thermal comfort under six indoor temperature conditions. Optimal performance occurred at 14°C. Suggests revised comfort range for students.
Keywords: Cold environment, Pupils, Classroom temperature, Thermal comfort, Learning performance
Experimental investigation of the effect of indoor air temperature on students' learning performance under the summer conditions in China
Wang, Dengjia
Controlled summer study tested students’ learning, perception, and physiological responses under varied temperatures. Optimal performance occurred when students felt slightly warm. Results inform thermal design of rural classrooms.
Keywords: Indoor air temperature, Learning performance, student, Thermal perception