Differences in Health Status and Health Behaviour Among Young Swiss Adults Between 1993 and 2003

This study examined changes in health status & behaviour among young Swiss adults between 1993-2003. Data from the Swiss Federal Surveys of Adolescents, conducted in 1993 & 2003 among 20-year-olds, was used. The study sample included military recruits & a representative community cohort. Compared to 1993, in 2003 young adults were more likely to report a sense of coherence; they also had fewer thoughts of suicide but a greater sense that life is meaningless. The percentage of participants having attempted suicide did not change over the 10-year interval. (28 refs.)