ABSTRACT
Objective: This multi-group case control study was performed to determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with gastric cancer and stomach diseases. Methods: Gastric cancer and stomach disease patients that were diagnosed pathologically between 1994 and 1996 years were divided into several case groups and control group, all histological specimens collected in gastric cancer high risk region of Shandong Province were used to measure exposure history. Results: After variables concerning age, sex and education were adjusted, odds ratios of chronic superficial gastritis in antrum, peptic ulcer disease and active degree of inflammation associated with H. pylori infection remained significant (OR was 2.072, 2.980, 2.086 respectively). Correlation analyses showed negative relationship between degree of stomach diseases and H. pylori infection(r=－0.217). Conclusion: The results support the hypothesis of a relationship between H. pylori infection and the development of chronic superficial gastritis in antrum, peptic ulcer disease and active degree of inflammation.