Iranian Journal of

---

Background and objective: Participation of community-based services in the National Tuberculosis Control Programme is (NTCP) necessary to identify and treat all patients with tuberculosis (TB). We developed a novel model to encourage family members and relative to participate in the RNTCP in Darahshar city.
Methods: This community-based intervention was included of two groups of community (relatives of patients and schools). They were trained to identify and refer of patients to allocated health centers. Case finding indices were compared initially and one year intervention. The exponential distribution and logarithmic of incidence were used to compare the incidence of tuberculosis after the intervention with other cities of the province.
Results: The incidence of smear positive cases increased from 5.1/100,000 to 35.2/100,000 (p <001). There was a statistically significant difference between incidence of smear positive cases in Darehshar city and other cities in Ilam province (p <001). During the intervention, 408 suspected patients was identified, it showed about 297 percent increased in case finding (cases in the previous year of the intervention were 137 cases) (p <001).
Conclusion: It seems that community-based intervention could be an effective method to enhance of identify and control of patients with tuberculosis.

---

Background & Objectives: Suicide has been recognized as a public health concern in all communities. Several factors are contributing to its incidence in developed and developing countries. Purpose of this study is to investigate seasonal patterns of suicide in Ilam province western Iran.
 Methods: Data were recruited from a systematic registry of Ilam province between available from 2001–2009. Overall, 3873 suicides were recorded. According to month and season of suicide, data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression.
 Results: Among suicide attempters, a peak of suicide occurrence was observed in summer, especially in August. In general, 16% of suicides were completed. The risk of death (OR)due to suicide was significantly greater in winter and March compared to other seasons and months, respectively.
 Conclusion: Suicide occurrence varies by month and season and seasonal-related factors such as psychological, environmental and social aspects should be considered for any prevention programs and strategies.

---

Background and Objectives: The World Health Organization estimates that over a million people contract sexually transmitted diseases daily. Given the significant impact of these diseases on public health in developing countries, this study aims to investigate the epidemiology and burden of sexually transmitted diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean countries.