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 661 - 670 of 680 | Export entire research library
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
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
Wastewater based measures of COVID-19 and associations with children's absenteeism at grade schools
Solo-Gabriele, Helena M.
A study of nine U.S. schools monitored wastewater SARS-CoV-2 and absenteeism over 18 months. Higher viral loads, especially in enclosed schools, correlated with increased absences, supporting wastewater monitoring as a school health indicator.
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, school absenteeism, Wastewater, Wastewater-based surveillance
Evaluating the effectiveness of different intervention measures for an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Hangzhou based on a dynamic model
Xu, Ling
Using an SEIAR model, this study simulated a Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak in a Zhejiang primary school. Early combined interventions reduced attack rates from 75% to under 9%, offering strong evidence to guide school epidemic control strategies.
Keywords: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, SEIAR model, Intervention measures, Evaluation
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis among adolescents in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria: Insights and recommendations for effective control
Aribodor, Ogechukwu B.
This study found 35.2% soil-transmitted helminth prevalence among 443 Nigerian adolescents, mainly Ascaris. Key factors included class level, parental literacy, and toilet type. Findings support expanded deworming and improved sanitation and hygiene.
Keywords: None listed by authors
The impact of long-term exposure to NO₂, O₃, and their oxidative potential on adolescents’ mental health, and the protective role of school-based greenness
Dang, Jiajia
This study assessed 149,697 Chinese adolescents for NO₂, O₃, and oxidative potential exposure. Higher pollution increased mental health risks, while greater school greenness significantly reduced vulnerability, symptoms, and emotional distress.
Keywords: Mental health, nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Oxidative potential, Greenness
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