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 671 - 680 of 680 | Export entire research library
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
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
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
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
High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among primary students in Ha Giang, Vietnam
Nhu, Dang Duc
A cross-sectional study in Ha Giang, Vietnam found a 76.1% soil-transmitted helminth infection rate among primary students, mostly light-intensity Ascaris and Trichuris. Findings support expanded hygiene, water access, and deworming programs.
Keywords: Ascaris lumbricoides, Ha Giang, Hookworms, Primary students, school-aged students, Soil-transmitted helminths, trichuris trichiura, Vietnam
Proposing adjustments to heat safety thresholds for junior high and high school sports clubs in Japan
Oyama, Takahiro
Using a case-crossover design and national WBGT data, this study found rising heat illness risk among Japanese student athletes. Results support lowering heat safety thresholds by 3°C for high-risk sports and early practices to better protect…
Keywords: heat illness, Sports club activities, wet-bulb globe temperature, Case-crossover study, Heat safety thresholds
Increased Risk of Influenza-Like Illness Clusters in Schools, Taiwan from 2011 to 2020: A Retrospective Study
Chou, Yu-Ching
This national study analyzed ILI clusters in Taiwanese schools from 2011-2020. Rising risks across all school levels revealed major infection control gaps, underscoring the need for stronger school-based epidemic prevention measures.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Quantification of droplet and contact transmission risks among elementary school students based on network analyses using video-recorded data
Kikuchi, Shuta
Using video and network modeling, researchers quantified droplet and contact transmission risks among Tokyo elementary students. Simulations showed shared items and close contact as key pathways, informing school-based infection prevention…
Keywords: None listed by authors
“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
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