The burden of hydrocele on men in Northern Ghana

The social and economic impact of lymphatic filariasis was studied in North ern Ghana. Qualitative methods of gathering information revealed that even though the disease was a problem to both men and women, men with hydrocele suffered a greater psychosocial burden. Particular attention was paid to th em, distinguishing men with small hydroceles and men with large ones. Out o f frustration men with small hydroceles sought health carl from a wider ran ge of places than men with larger ones. The pain associated with adenolymph angitis (ADL) renders them inactive for up to 5 days. Complications of lymp h scrotum and ridicule from community members were a problem. Unmarried men in particular found it difficult to find a spouse with their condition, an d various degrees of sexual dysfunction were reported amongst married men. The clinical significance and the value of time and attention for counselin g to mitigate the effects of the disease on damaged male identity and the n eed for gender studies to address male issues and the need for including ps ychosocial issues in the calculating of disability adjusted life years (DAL Y's) is also discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.