Sexual health and behavior of young people in Switzerland

This research examines young people’s sexual and reproductive health and behaviors in Switzerland The survey comprised three parts: questions on socio-demographic characteristics of the participants (part 1) and on their sexual and health behavior (part 3) and one part was a life history calendar (LHC, part 2). 

The sample included 7’142 people aged between 24 and 26 years and living in Switzerland at the time of the addresses delivery. Among them 5’618 (78.7%) individuals completed the entire questionnaire or a significant part of it. 

Overall, youth in Switzerland report a healthy sexuality. However, young people being active on online sex need to be further analyzed regarding both the frequency of this practice and the potential risk they incur in. Unfortunately, women continue to be overrepresented in the cases of unwanted sexual experiences and sexual abuse. Contrary to popular belief, sexual dysfunctions are relatively common among young people. There is a sizeable percentage of youth who have exchanged sexual favors for money, goods or services, who have had sexual relationships while intoxicated or group sex. Reliable contraceptive / protective use is the norm in this age group and it varies from first to last intercourse. Male condom and hormonal contraception are the most used by far. Emergency contraception is a clear option in cases when the main contraceptive method failed. However, even if the condom use rate is quite high, even at last intercourse, the reported STI rate of 10% is relatively high compared to other studies and needs further analysis.