RELATIONSHIP OF CIGARETTE-SMOKING, ALCOHOL-USE, AND DIETARY HABITS WITH HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION IN JAPANESE MEN

Background: Little is known of factors determining infection with Heli cobacter pylori. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 566 men aged 5 0-55 years, who received a preretirement health examination at the Sel f Defense Forces Fukuoka Hospital between January 1993 and December 19 94, we examined the association of smoking, alcohol use, and dietary h abits with H. pylori infection. Results: The overall seropositivity as determined with IgG antibody was 79.3% (449 of 565). The rank was inv ersely associated with the infection (trend, P = 0.048). Neither smoki ng nor alcohol drinking was related to the infection. The prevalence a djusted for rank tended to be lower in men consuming raw vegetables (t rend, P = 0.12) daily than those with less consumption. Unexpectedly, the consumption of tofu (soybean curd) was significantly, negatively r elated to the infection (trend, P = 0.013). The seropositivity was unr elated to the consumption of pickled vegetables, soy paste soup, green tea, or garlic. Conclusion: The findings suggest that fresh vegetable s may be protective against H. pylori infection. The study does not su pport either an increased risk of the infection associated with salty foods or a protective effect of green tea or garlic.