A Case-Control Study on the Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Korea

Chang, Woong Ki; Kim, Dong Jun; Kim, Hak Yang; Kim, Jong Hyuk; Kim, Jin Bong; Park, Choong Kee; Yoo, Jae Young; Kim, Hyun Ja; Kim, Mi Kyung; Choi, Bo Youl; Choi, Ho Soon; Park, Kyung Nam

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There has been few studies about factors affecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. In this case-control study, we investigated whether the nondietary and dietary factors affect H. pylori infection.
METHODS
A total of 272 patients (126 H. pylori-positive patients and 146 H. pylori-negative patients) who visited the Hallym University Hospital and Hanyang University Hospital from March 1997 through October 1998 were included. Their ages ranged from 20 to 79 years. H. pylori infection was determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The information about the nondietary and dietary factors for the subjects was collected by interview and questionnaire.
RESULTS
Nondietary factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, family history of gastric cancer, and previous stomach disease showed no statistical relationship with H. pylori infection. Considering dietary factors, laver-rolled rice, donuts, raw vegetables (eg. lettuce, pellila leaf), etc. increased the risk of H. pylori infection. However, rice cake, soybean paste soup with vegetables, etc. decreased it. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that dietary factors may affect H. pylori infection, but further study is needed to reach a definite conclusion.