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 601 - 610 of 680 | Export entire research library
The Impact of the Indoor Environment on Childhood Asthma
Conroy, Ellen R
Recent studies link indoor aeroallergens and air pollutants to increased asthma morbidity in children. This review summarizes evidence from home and school interventions, finding mixed results and identifying key areas where further research is…
Keywords: aeroallergens, Air pollution, Asthma, Asthma morbidity, Environment, Environmental intervention
Dietary exposure of school children to aflatoxin and fumonisin through githeri and effectiveness of nixtamalization in reduction of these toxins in githeri from Turkana County
Mannara, Charles
Researchers analyzed githeri meals from 128 Kenyan primary schools for aflatoxin and fumonisin. Forty percent were contaminated, with aflatoxin near national limits. Nixtamalization using Ca(OH)₂ reduced toxins by 70-75%, demonstrating significant…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Activity-based acoustic situations in primary schools: Analyzing classroom noise and listening effort
Seitz, Julia
This study measured noise levels and subjective listening effort in seven German primary schools, analyzing differences across classroom activities and grades; results showed significant variations in noise but no significant differences in reported…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Radon in schools of Montenegro
Vukotic, Perko
Using passive detectors, researchers measured radon in 2,336 rooms across 392 Montenegrin public schools. Some ground-floor rooms exceeded 1,000 Bq/m³. Annual doses averaged 0.66 mSv, with some up to 11 mSv, highlighting potential health risks for…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in schools
Pasco, Remy
Using an agent-based model, this study simulated COVID-19 spread in U.S. schools. Combined strategies including screening, masking, and vaccination averted over 80% of infections, offering important guidance for future school-based public health…
Keywords: COVID-19, Public health response, Epidemiological modeling, Asymptomatic screening, vaccination, school absenteeism
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, s. mansoni, Urogenital schistosomiasis, Intestinal schistosomiasis
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
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
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
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