Health Behaviour in School-aged Children
The international study “Health Behaviour in School-aged Children” (HBSC) surveys 11- to 15-year-old schoolchildren about their health and lifestyle. The results provide trends and international comparisons and form an important basis for prevention and health policy.
Background
The international study “Health Behaviour in School-aged Children” (HBSC) is conducted under the auspices of WHO Europe and takes place every four years. Switzerland has participated in the study since 1986.
Topics
The HBSC study examines various aspects of young people's lives. It deals with health, well-being, and quality of life, as well as risk and protective factors, social relationships, and the use of digital media.
Topics covered by the HBSC study:
- Health, chronic diseases, pain, injuries
- Well-being, quality of life, emotions, bullying, violence
- Body weight and body image
- Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress
- Sexuality and contraception
- Substance use (alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, drugs, and medication)
- Digital world, social media, gaming
- Family, friendship, school
- Brushing teeth
A central foundation
The Swiss HBSC study provides important, representative, high-quality, long-term data for prevention, health policy, and international comparisons for child and adolescent health. It offers the federal government and cantons evidence-based guidance for health policy, prevention, and health promotion in schools and leisure activities, and is a key foundation for international, national, and cantonal prevention measures.
Results
The results of the national HBSC study in Switzerland are published in research reports, fact sheets, scientific articles, and standard statistical tables. The data is available to third parties for secondary analysis upon request from SWISSUbase, at hbsc.ch, and hbsc.org.
Standard tables
Data
Publications
Further information
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern