High Standards Of Hygiene Research Articles

Experimental Investigation of Process Forces and Part Quality for Fine Blanking of Stainless Steel with Inductive Heating

Fine blanking is a highly productive process of industrial mass production with which high quality components in particular but not exclusively for the automotive industry are produced. The manufacturing process faces its limits at elevated tensile strengths of the materials to be processed. Consequently, high-strength steels can currently only be fine blanked to a limited extent. This can be overcome by lowering the flow stress of high-strength steels by means of inductive heating. A steel of high importance especially for industries with high hygiene standards such as medical and nutrition production is the stainless steel X5CrNi18-10 (1.4301). As a metastable austenitic steel which can initiate cutting impact on the press through martensitization, fine blanking of stainless steel is a challenge. X5CrNi18-10 is not a high-strength steel per se but becomes difficult to process due to the high hardness of the martensite phase, known as transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect. Thus, in order to combine the possible advantages of the fine blanking process with inductive heating and the important properties of stainless steel, fine blanking of this steel was investigated with inductive heating prior to the fine blanking. The process forces and product quality properties such as die roll were investigated and found to be advantageous in comparison to non-heated fine blanking specimens of the same steel. The process forces and the die roll height decreased due to the heating.

Evaluation of a Configurable, Mobile and Modular Floor-Pen System for Group-Housing of Laboratory Rabbits.

Simple SummaryThe group housing of animals supports species-specific behavior and avoids stress induction. Therefore, novel housing systems need to be established that provide sufficient space and meet the hygiene criteria for laboratory animals. Here, we describe the successful implementation of an improved housing system for single and group housing of laboratory rabbits under high hygiene environmental conditions. This system includes modular and mobile floor pens of different size and shape. Rabbits housed in this system showed species-specific behavior that depended on the circadian rhythm—a prerequisite for interpretable animal experiments. We propose that this housing system will be of great benefit for the well-being of laboratory rabbits used in biomedical science.The major responsibility of researchers and laboratory animal facilities is to ensure animal well-being during the time of acclimatization, experiments, and recovery. In this context, animal housing conditions are of utmost importance. Here, we implemented a mobile and modular floor-pen housing system for laboratory rabbits that combines rabbits’ natural behavioral requirements and the high hygiene standards needed in biomedical science. Twelve female New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were single- or group-housed for 12 months in mobile and modular floor-pens. Their general health status was evaluated at the end of the experimental setup. Further, we performed behavioral analysis of six additional NZW females group-housed for eight weeks in pens of two different sizes. We show that our improved housing concept supported species-specific behavioral patterns. Taken together, our housing system provides an optimal setup for rabbits in animal facilities that combines strict requirements for animal experiments with animal welfare.

Milk reception in a time-efficient manner: A case from the dairy processing plant

The short raw milk lifespan is a matter of concern for the dairy processing sector. It is crucial to the final product quality to ensure that raw milk will reach the cooling facility without undue delay while maintaining high hygienic standards. However, an effective milk reception is undermined by numerous internal and external challenges due to the complexity of the dairy manufacturing system and the stochastic variation of the milk supply chain. This work presents an industrial case study where the milk reception performance was examined, and opportunities for improvement were identified. The output provided operational documentation of each stage of milk reception. The outcomes illustrate that existing infrastructure and operations were not set up to manage a post-quota abolition uptake in milk production. A number of shortcomings and challenges were outlined, namely process bottlenecks, inefficient design of the facility layout, lack of standardized procedures, and internal-communication issues. Recommendations for improvements have been provided to achieve a 23.4% reduction of process lead time. These findings provide an opportunity for the industry to review their milk reception operations to deal with stochastic variations in milk supply and seasonality.

Anti-biofilm activity of dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride microcapsules against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus

Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) was trapped into maltodextrins/pectin spray dried microcapsules to improve its activity against Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Two different microcapsules were prepared: uncomplexed DTAC-microcapsules (UDM), containing DTAC and maltodextrins; and complexed DTAC-microcapsules (CDM) containing DTAC complexed with pectin and maltodextrins. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of both free and microencapsulated DTAC were investigated against S. Enteritidis and S. aureus. The MICs of DTAC were significantly lower when encapsulated. CDM treatment resulted in a 2 and 3.2 log reduction in S. aureus and S. Enteritidis biofilm culturable biomass, respectively. Microencapsulation reduced the cytotoxicity of DTAC by up to 32-fold. Free DTAC and CDM targeted the cell membrane resulting in the leakage of the intracellular molecules and subsequent cell death. The development of DTAC microcapsules reduced the amount of DTAC required to maintain the high standards of cleanliness and hygiene required in the food processing industries.

An update on joint ill in sheep.

This focus article has been prepared by Vanessa Swinson of the APHA Small Ruminant Expert Group.

Green antifungal waterborne coating based on essential oil microcapsules

There is a great concern about the indoor microbial colonization especially in places that should have high standards of environmental hygiene. Besides, due it shortened the useful life of the coating by discoloration and degradation. Currently this is a problem that must be solved in an innovative and eco-friendly way. In this sense, the aim of the work was to develop a green waterborne paint formulated with microcapsules containing essentials oil as biocide agent. This novel hygienic coating would be applied as to protect indoor surfaces from fungi. The microcapsules were synthesized by interfacial polymerization. Melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin was used for the microcapsule shell wall, and Lavandin and Tea Tree essential oils (EOs) as core materials. The synthesized microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and particle size analysis. Preparation of acrylic waterborne paint was performed and the microcapsules MF-EOs were dispersed into the original paint just before application on commercial gypsum boards. The stability of the MF-EOs in the paint was successfully achieved. Two control paints were used, one containing EOs in free form and other without biocide.The effectiveness of the microcapsules into paint film against spore suspension of Aspergillus fumigatus was evaluated by seeding the fungus on the painted surface. The fungal growth was evaluated according to ASTM D5590 standard specification. The score obtained from MF-Lavandin paint indicates just a trace growth onto the painted surface (<10 %). On the control and MF-Tea tree paints the growth was 70 %. The MF-Lavandin showed a high inhibition activity against fungal in the dry paint film compared with the one containing free form EOs paint.

Towards a robust thin film sensor for distinguishing fluids using the [formula omitted]-method

This article presents a platinum thin-film sensor to distinguish fluids via their thermal properties by applying the 3ω-method. The thin film element is attached to a stainless steel tube piping the fluid. The fluids of interest in this article are gas (air), water, and alcohol (isopropanol). The progress claims include: First, the 3ω-method is applied to distinguish fluids which are not directly in contact with the sensitive structure. Second, the 3ω-method is applied on a meander structure instead of the commonly used straight strip. These two features should lead to high flexibility, high corrosion resistance and high hygiene and safety standards in applications. Third, because of the complexity of the sensor structure, a simplified analytical model is elaborated and a numerical simulation is conducted to obtain a profound understanding of the sensor's behavior. Based on these results, the sensor is designed and manufactured by standard thin film technology. The agreement between experiment and simulation results is within 5%. These findings can play a key role for future in-line sensors in process control systems e.g. in the food industry. Moreover, a deep understanding of the sensor's physical behavior with respect to its thermal properties can lead to a feasible combination of the 3ω-method and thermal anemometry to achieve a robust thermal flow sensor, which is able to compensate the dependence on the thermal properties of different fluids.

Characteristics and short-term obstetric outcomes in a case series of 67 women test-positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Stockholm, Sweden.

IntroductionThe Stockholm region was the first area in Sweden to be hit by the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The national guidelines on the care of women with a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2 (detection with polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) recommend individualized antenatal care, mode of delivery based on obstetric considerations, and no routine separation of the mother and the newborn. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and although there is no specific recommendation regarding wearing a face mask to prevent viral transmission to the newborn while nursing, instructions are given to keep high hygiene standards. All studies based on cases tested on hospital admission will capture more women with pregnancy complications than in the general population. Our aim was to describe the clinical characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive women and their neonates, and to report short‐term maternal and neonatal outcomes.Material and methodsA retrospective case series with data from medical records including all test‐positive women (n = 67) who gave birth to 68 neonates from 19 March to 26 April 2020 in Stockholm, Sweden. Means, proportions and percentages were calculated for clinical characteristics and outcomes.ResultsThe mean age was 32 years, 40% were nulliparous and 61% were overweight or obese. Further, 15% had diabetes and 21% a hypertensive disease. Seventy percent of the women had a vaginal birth. Preterm delivery occurred in 19% of the women. The preterm deliveries were mostly medically indicated, including two women who were delivered preterm due to severe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19), corresponding to 15% of the preterm births. Four women (6%) were admitted to the intensive care unit postpartum but there were no maternal deaths. There were two perinatal deaths (one stillbirth and one neonatal death). Three neonates were PCR‐positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 after birth.ConclusionsIn this case series of 67 women testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 with clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic to manifest COVID‐19 disease, few women presented with severe COVID‐19 illness. The majority had a vaginal birth at term with a healthy neonate that was negative for SARS‐CoV‐2.

Low colonization rates with Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in a German hospital-affiliated hemodialysis center

BackgroundMultidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN) are found with rising prevalence in non-hemodialysis risk populations as well as hemodialysis (HD) cohorts in Asia, Europe and North America. At the same time, colonization and consecutive infections with such pathogens may increase mortality and morbidity of affected individuals. We aimed to monitor intestinal MDRGN colonization in a yet not investigated German HD population.MethodsWe performed cross-sectional point-prevalence testing with 12 months follow-up and selected testing of relatives in an out-patient HD cohort of n = 77 patients by using microbiological cultures from fresh stool samples, combined with Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization—Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.ResultsWe detected MDRGN in 8 out of 77 patients (10.4%) and 1 out of 22 relatives (4.5%), indicating only colonization and no infections. At follow-up, 2 patients showed phenotypic persistence of MDRGN colonization, and in 6 other patients de-novo MDRGN colonization could be demonstrated. Pathogens included Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL]-production as well as fluoroquinolone resistance), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Enterobacter cloacae.ConclusionsIn a single-center study, MDRGN colonization rates were below those found in non-HD high-risk populations and HD units in the US, respectively. Reasons for this could be high hygiene standards and a strict antibiotic stewardship policy with evidence of low consumption of fluoroquinolones and carbapenems in our HD unit and the affiliated hospital.

Biopesticide Research and Product Development in Africa for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security – Experiences From the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

Arthropod pests and vectors constrain the livelihood opportunities of people in Africa by debilitating production of crops and livestock and through transmission of vector-borne diseases. In the absence of effective alternative management options to tackle these pests and vectors, there is extensive dependence on synthetic pesticides for their management on crop and livestock systems, with significant negative impacts on animal and human health, and the environment. Biopesticides are effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. At the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Arthropod Pathology Unit (APU) was established for effective biopesticide research-for-development (R4D), underpinned by a large repository of arthropod pathogens, protocols for lab bioassays and field efficacy testing, and an effective public-private partnership to generate new biopesticide products. The focus of icipe’s APU has gradually transformed from basic to applied research leading to innovative, commercial products. Among the insect pathogens, greater focus has been placed on fungi, especially Metarhizium anisopliae, against key crop and livestock pests. Presently, three biopesticides based on M. anisopliae strains researched by icipe have been commercialized by Real IPM (Thika, Kenya) and are used on 132,994 ha in sub-Saharan Africa, with registration of additional products against animal ticks and the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda pending. Our R4D activities on arthropod pathogens increasingly include bacteria, microsporidia, entomopathogenic nematodes and viruses. Recently, icipe is expanding R4D towards plant endophytes and rhizosphere inhabitants. The Centre also embarked on understanding the diversity, roles and possible exploitation of insect symbionts in key plant pest and disease vectors. In addition, key entomopathogens of reared insects for human food and animal feed need to be identified and controlled through high hygiene standards during rearing. Further, research is aimed at integrating biopesticides not only with other integrated pest management (IPM) technologies but also with pollination services.

Evaluation of gas holes in "Queijo de Nisa" PDO cheese using computer vision.

"Queijo de Nisa" is a traditional Portuguese cheese, granted with PDO label, produced with raw ewe's milk in which the aqueous extract of cardoon flower Cynara cardunculus L. is the only coagulant allowed. As in similar cheeses with no use of starter cultures or pasteurisation, the quality and food safety are depending on prevention, high hygienic standards and a proper manufacturing process. This study investigated the use of computer vision as novel method for the evaluation of gas holes in Queijo de Nisa in three different ripening dates (0, 15 and 35days). A total of 48 samples were produced using cardoon flower from three different origins (C1, C2 and C3) and a commercial vegetable coagulant (C4). The results presented a high correlation between image-dependent attributes and physical-chemical properties during ripening time, especially within the first 15days of ripening time, where major structural changes were observed inside the Queijo de Nisa cheese. Principal component analysis presented a strong correlation (p < 0.05) between image parameters and the physical-chemical evolution until 15days. From 15 to 35days, the evolution of cheeses was mainly depending on structural parameters, like G'1Hz and hardness. No influence was observed due to the geographical origin of cardoon flower.

Microbiological purity of syringes containing composites in the context of cross-infection prevention in dental practices

Abstract Cross-infection involves the transmission of microorganisms through secretions, bodily fluids and excreta, as well as undisinfected surfaces and medical equipment. In the dental office, diseases are transmitted via various routes, e.g. from patient to dentist or other member of dental team, from doctor or dental team member to patient, from patient to another patient, from dental office to community and from community to patient. The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control in dental practices based on the qualitative and quantitative assessment of microbiological contaminants detected on the surface of filling material packaging used in dental offices. The material for research were 9 packages containing dental materials during their use in 3 dental settings. The packages were placed in sterile flasks and rinsed to wash microorganisms from the surfaces. The washes were filtered through membrane filters and cultured under proper aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and at elevated CO2 concentration. Microbial growth on TIO and TSB media was observed. The contamination of most samples remained low as indicated by the growth from one to a maximum of five colonies on TSA. The contamination remained at the level of 10-50 CFU/package, i.e. &lt;100 CFU/single package. The tests evaluating the contamination of dental package surfaces with aerobic bacteria confirmed high hygiene standards observed in dental offices from which the packages were brought.

The Impact of Corona Virus on the Socio-Economic Life of Nigerians

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered corona virus that can be transmitted through droplets from cough and sneeze. People who are infected can experience mild to moderate symptoms and can recover without requiring special treatment. However, aged patients and those with respiratory disease can develop serious illness. Maintainence of high standard of hygiene through frequent washing of hand, use of hand sanitizer and social distancing has been recommended as ways of slowing down the transmission of this disease that has been declared a global health emergency.This study examines how the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping around the globe affects the socio-economic life of Nigerians. The study reveals that the effect of the pandemic on the socio- economic life of Nigerians is enormous due to the peculiarity of the Nigerian system and economy which depends on close social contact that hinges on the theory of communitarianism,a theory that supports the fact that a person’s personality or identity is molded by the society. Hence, a total lock down in Nigeria is not sustainable over a long period of time.

Effects of the backing cavity on the acoustic absorption of a microperforated panel absorber

The attractive features of the microperforated panels (MPPs) make them an alternative to conventional fibrous materials for acoustic absorption in environment where high hygiene standards are required. To evaluate the absorption effect, a model for the MPP with a backing cavity, i.e. MPP absorber (MPPA), has to be developed. Usually, a MPPA model is developed based on the one-dimensional assumption such that only the backing cavity modes associated with the depth contribute to the resonance absorption. For the real case, however, a MPPA is of finite-size and the modes associated with the lateral dimensions of the backing cavity will contribute to the coupling as well. In this paper, efforts are made to understand the coupling of different types of backing cavity modes to the MPP. It is found that the participation of those backing cavity modes not only influences the acoustic property of the MPPA but is also possible to deteriorate the absorption performance.

A statistical model for evaluating the patient satisfaction

The paper aims to identify the drivers which affect the patient satisfaction. For this purpose the authors analyzed the data collected by delivering a questionnaire to patients hospitalizing in an important hospital of Napoli city.The effects of level of satisfaction about different services received in the hospital on the patient satisfaction have been studied by comparing the results of four regression models. Findings provide empirical evidence that a policy aimed at developing the competences and the abilities of the staff and at maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness is the most appropriate strategy to improve patient satisfaction.

Raw milk producers with high levels of hygiene and safety.

There is world-wide increasing interest in the consumption of unprocessed, natural food commodities including fresh (unpasteurised) milk and milk products. Consumers are actively seeking out raw milk, partly due to health reasons, but also for taste, freshness, closeness to the producer and to support local agriculture. The need for high levels of hygiene and safety in farms producing raw milk for direct consumption has long been recognised and has led to federal and industry-initiated systems for safe raw milk production. Raw milk producers in North America and Europe have demonstrated that raw milk, intended for direct consumption, can be produced safe and hygienic. The aim of this paper is to describe practices that have been developed for safe raw milk production. The German Vorzugsmilch is a federally regulated programme for legal raw milk production that was established already in the 1930s to provide raw milk with high hygienic standards controlled for zoonotic diseases to consumers. The Raw Milk Institute is a non-profit organisation established in California that has developed a voluntary safe raw milk programme in North America. RAWMI has developed a risk analysis and management system for raw milk dairy farmers to assist farmers in making individually tailored solutions for various production systems. In British Colombia, Canada, small herd share farms have employed good manufacturing practices, a risk management approach and performed monthly samples for pathogens and indicator bacteria to demonstrate safety and consistency. The major components of the raw milk systems applied, and the results of regular milk microbial indicator bacteria are presented. For the German system, the results from standard monthly pathogen tests are compared to zoonotic pathogen tests from other milk sources. The overall results indicate that raw milk can be produced with a high level of hygiene and safety in various systems.

Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease: A 30-Year Study of the Occurrence on Commercial Farms in Spain.

Simple SummaryMyxomatosis has affected the European domestic rabbit in Spain since the end of 1953; and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) since mid-1988. In this study, we describe the occurrence of myxomatosis; and RHD; on commercial rabbitries visited in Spain; between 1988 and 2018. Annual occurrence of myxomatosis decreased over 30 years. Cases of myxomatosis were detected most frequently between August and March; more cases occurring in September and fewer in June. Two important RHD epidemics occurred; the first in 1988–1989 due to classic RHD virus (RHDV), and the second from 2011 to 2013 due to new calicivirus (RHDVb/RHDV2). Monthly occurrence of RHD in 2011–2018 was higher from April to August. Despite seasonal variations of these diseases; we recommend that young breeders and adults should be protected by vaccination all year round; and on-farm hygiene measures implementedIn this retrospective study, we describe the relative occurrence of clinical myxomatosis, and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), on 1714 commercial farms visited in Spain, between 1988 and 2018. We determined the annual prevalence based on 817 visits to 394 farms affected by myxomatosis. Myxomatosis was more prevalent from August to March, being lowest in June (3%) and highest in September (8.9%). With regard to RHD, we assessed 253 visits to 156 affected farms. We analyzed mean annual and monthly incidence. Two important RHD epidemics occurred; the first in 1988–1989 due to RHDV GI.1 (also known as RHDV), and the second from 2011 to 2013 due to RHDV GI.2 (RHDV2 or RHDVb). These epidemics occurred at times when effective vaccination had not been carried out. Relative monthly incidence in 2011–2018 was higher from April to August (p < 0.001). The results we obtained from 1404 necropsies on 102 farms did not clearly relate serosanguinous nasal discharge in rabbits with disease caused by GI.2 infection. We also assessed vaccination schedules used on 200 doe farms visited from the end of 2014 to 2018; 95.5% vaccinated against myxomatosis and 97.5% against RHD. Both diseases remain prevalent; however, effective vaccination has produced a steady decline in myxomatosis and RHDV GI.1 and GI.2 on-farm detection. The maintenance of high hygienic standards will be needed to continue and improve this control. However, further studies are required to investigate the causes of sustained virus presence and vaccine breaks.

Microbiological assessment of cleanliness of surfaces and equipment in a children's operating theatre on the example of a selected hospital.

The operating theatre is one of the most important places in a hospital. Due to the presence of numerous reservoirs of microorganisms and the invasiveness of surgical procedures it is necessary to ensure high hygiene standards in these locations. The aim of the study was to carry out a qualitative assessment of the microbiological cleanliness of the surfaces and equipment in an operating theatre. The results of microbiological tests of the surfaces and equipment of the Children's Operating Theatre in Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, southeast Poland, during 2007-2012 were reviewed retrospectively. For the analysis, a total of 1,819 swabs were collected, of which 1.05% were positive. Positive results were obtained mainly from samples taken from moist places (57.9%). Among the microorganisms isolated, Gram-negative bacteria constituted the majority (57.9%), Pseudomonas bacteria were found most frequently (31,6%). Isolated microbes can be the etiological agent of nosocomial infections.

Accounting for long-term manifestations of Cryptosporidium spp infection in burden of disease and cost-of-illness estimations, the Netherlands (2013-2017).

BackgroundBurden of disease (BoD) estimations are increasingly used to prioritize public health interventions. Previous Cryptosporidium BoD models accounted only for acute episodes, while there is increasing evidence of long-term manifestations. Our objective was to update Cryptosporidium BoD and cost-of-illness (COI) models and to estimate BoD and COI for the Netherlands in years 2013–2017.MethodsWe performed a scoping literature review and drew an outcome tree including long-term manifestations for which sufficient evidence was found, such as recurrent diarrhea and joint pain. We chose the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) metric to synthesize years of life lost due mortality (YLLs) and years lived with disability due to non-fatal outcomes (YLDs). For the costs, we adopted a societal perspective accounting for direct healthcare costs, patient costs and productivity losses. Uncertainty was managed using Latin Hypercube sampling (30,000 iterations).ResultsIn the Netherlands in 2017, we estimated 50,000 Cryptosporidium cases (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 15,000–102,000), 7,000 GP visits, 300 hospitalizations and 3 deaths, resulting in 137 DALYs (95%UI: 54–255) and €19.2 million COI (95%UI: €7.2 million– €36.2 million). Estimates were highest for 2016 (218 DALYs and €31.1 million in COI), and lowest in 2013 (100 DALYs and €13.8 million in COI). Most of the BoD was attributable to YLD (≈80% of DALYs). The most important cost was productivity losses (≈90% of total COI). Long-term manifestations, including recurring diarrhea and joint pain, accounted for 9% of the total DALYs and 7% of the total COI.ConclusionCurrent evidence supports the inclusion of long-term manifestations in Cryptosporidium models, which contribute close to 10% of the total DALYs and costs. This may be an underestimation, as we were conservative in our assumptions. Cryptosporidium should be considered a priority organism with respect to public health surveillance, even in industrialized countries with high hygiene standards.

A study on oral hygiene among students of a secondary school in Harinavi, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Context: It is needless to state that health and hygiene go hand in hand and of the various categories of hygiene, oral hygiene has a colossal contribution to positive health for any individual. Zealous and correct lifestyle characteristics are related to high standards of oral hygiene, and good habits must be inculcated in the early years of one's life. With this background, a study was conducted among some school-going adolescents. Aims: The aim of this study is to find out the status of their oral hygiene and oral health along with their associated risk factors. Methodology: It was a school-based, observational, cross-sectional study conducted among students of standard 7th, 8th, and 9th of the school who were approached, and the parents of 151 students gave their consent for the oral checkup. Students first filled in a self-administered questionnaire following which their oral health and hygiene were examined. Data were analyzed using statistical package of social science software version 16.0 (IBM, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA) Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were performed. Results: Among 151 students, 64.2% had poor oral health, 52.3% and 64.2% student had unsatisfactory awareness toward oral health and oral hygiene practice, respectively. Females had better oral health awareness and better practice scores than males. Factors such as satisfactory practice of oral hygiene (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7 [3.4–12.2]); satisfactory awareness toward oral health (OR = 2.9 [1.9–3.5]); and gender (OR = 2.9 [1.5–5.8]) were associated with good oral health. Awareness toward oral health (OR = 5.8 [2.8–12.2]) are also strongly associated with the good practice of oral hygiene. In the final model of multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors such as the practice of oral hygiene (adjusted OR [AOR] = 6.8 [3.2–14.5]) and awareness toward oral health (AOR = 2.1 [1.3–3.6]) retained significance. Conclusion: Oral health promotion programs and periodic health checkups are needed.