The aim of this Japanese study was to assess the relationship between the establishment of persistent Helicobacter pylori infection, and factors such as sanitary conditions or home environment during childhood. Almost 6000 participants completed a questionnaire and H. pylori antibody test. Associations between the 6 factors in the questionnaire and infection were calculated. Drinking water, type of toilet, residential area, number of people in the house and birth order showed significant correlation with H. pylori infection. Cancer Sci;94:914-918.