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 651 - 660 of 680 | Export entire research library
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.
Keywords: None listed by authors
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, Health, COVID-19 outbreak
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with school field trips at a farm animal exhibit—Tennessee, September-October 2023
Thomas, Christine M.
This epidemiological investigation identified an STEC O157:H7 outbreak linked to Tennessee school field trips, with 9 confirmed and 55 probable cases. Lab testing confirmed the source, underscoring the need for farm safety and zoonotic infection…
Keywords: Agritourism, Fair, Haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Petting zoo
Practical considerations for using low-cost sensors to assess wildfire smoke exposure in school and childcare settings
Stampfer, Orly
This study measured PM2.5 at four Washington schools using low-cost sensors and gravimetric samplers. Results showed large within-school variation and found that frequent, multi-day handheld monitoring improves indoor/outdoor ratio estimates during…
Keywords: Low-cost sensors, wildfire smoke, particulate matter, Schools, Indoor air quality
Description of air quality and environmental characteristics in primary school classrooms in the Community of Madrid
Pérez-Moneo, Begoña
A longitudinal study measured PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, temperature, and humidity in four Madrid schools. PM2.5 and VOCs exceeded thresholds in a large share of samples, underscoring the need for improved indoor air quality management in schools.
Keywords: Child, Schools, Indoor air quality , particulate matter
“I Need the Shade”: Experiences and Perceptions of Elementary School Children During Recess in Hot Weather
Poulos, Allison
This qualitative study used draw-and-tell methods with 38 Arizona students to explore recess during extreme heat. Children reported discomfort and adaptations, highlighting the need for design and policy to support safe outdoor play in hot…
Keywords: Heat, Physical activity, Play, Playgrounds
Schools and Wastewater Surveillance: Practical Implications for an Emerging Technology to Impact Child Health
Johnson, Gwendolyn
This study examined wastewater surveillance at 52 Houston schools, evaluating SARS-CoV-2 data use, communication gaps, and stakeholder needs. Findings highlight ways to improve data sharing to increase the public health impact of wastewater…
Keywords: Wastewater, wastewater surveillance, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Schools, school nurses
A primary school-based dengue solution model for post-COVID-19 in southern Thailand: Students’ understanding of the dengue solution and larval indices surveillance system
Jaroenpool, Jiraporn
This study used participatory research to create a dengue prevention model in Thai schools. Over 90% of students had poor knowledge pre-intervention; post-tests showed improvement, supporting early education and larval surveillance training.
Keywords: None listed by authors