Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, dietary pattern and habits with gastric cancer in populations where consumption of smoked and salted meat is not high. Methods: A total of 54 patients were included in the study with 27 each in case and control groups. H. pylori status was determined in both the groups. The dietary pattern was assessed for intake of carbohydrates, non-vegetarian diet, salt, spices, fruits and vegetables, using a food frequency questionnaire. Habits such as smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption, H. pylori status and dietary pattern were compared between the two groups. Results: Forty four percent of the patients with gastric cancer were positive for H. pylori infection compared to 63% of the controls, which is not statistically significant. 44% of the patients with gastric cancer had a frequent carbohydrate intake compared to 30% of the controls. Patients with gastric cancer had a lower intake of fruits (P >0.05) and vegetables (P >0.05) than controls. Habits like smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol use were more prevalent among the cases when compared to the controls. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Intake of non-vegetarian diet, salt and spices was found to be similar in both the groups. Conclusions: The H. pylori status was similar between patients with gastric cancer and controls. High intake of carbohydrates, low intake of fruits and vegetables, habits like smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol intake were more frequent in patients with gastric cancer compared to the controls, although the difference did not reach significance.

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