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.