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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESEach of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) components (central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin resistance) may arise from an underlying disease or factors such as hormonal or pharmacological factors. These components arising secondary to a reason other than life style disturbances cause secondary MetS. The present study aimed to present, for the first time, the factors affecting secondary MetS.DESIGN AND SETTINGSAn observational study at Medeniyet University Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, from June 2010 to February 2011.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe underlying causes in 902 MetS patients with a mean age of 53.5 (12.9) years, of whom 79% were female, were investigated. A detailed evaluation was made, which comprised a history for drugs, diseases and habits that may manifest MetS parameters, physical examination, and laboratory analysis.RESULTSIn 10.6% of the patients, hypothyroidism was determined as the main factor affecting secondary MetS, and in 4.1% the use of corticosteroid was determined as the main factor. Other factors underlie affecting secondary MetS are as follows: the use of thiazide diuretics (22.8%), beta-blockers (12.5%), antiphysichotics (2.1%), insulins (12.8%), insulin secretagog oral hypoglycemics (13.8%), thiazolidinediones (4.9%), oral contraceptives (0.8%), and alcohol intake (2.2%).CONCLUSIONHypothyroidism and corticosteroid treatment are the leading causes of secondary MetS. While evaluating the patients, it is a prerequisite to determine the high frequency of other factors that may affect the presence and the degree of MetS parameters.

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Purpose This paper aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of the physicians regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), to emphasize that these patients exist and they will exist in the future and to raise awareness so as to prevent that their rights to treatment are revoked. Design/methodology/approach The survey was conducted via a link sent through an online system. Random physicians from 81 cities of the country were invited to the survey. The survey has 41 questions regarding knowledge and attitudes in total, including epidemiological information such as age, gender and title. Findings A total of 3,107 physicians has voluntarily participated in the study. In total, 2,195 (70.7%) are internal physicians and 912 (29.3%) are surgical physicians among the participant physicians. In total, 1,452 (46.7%) of the participants are specialist physicians, 608 (19.6%) of the participants are practising physician and the rest of it is physician assistants, academicians and dentists, respectively. Originality/value In this study, it has been found out that the physicians have a lack of knowledge on HIV/AIDS and they adopt a discriminatory attitude towards HIV-positive persons. HIV-positive patients who are exposed to discrimination and scared of being uncovered refrain from applying to hospitals for treatment, which puts public health into jeopardy due to the high viral load and these patients are faced with difficulties in coping with both medical and emotional load of the disease.

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