A wide spectrum of health aspects and influencing factors are highlighted in the report. Aspects of both wellbeing and illness are addressed, for example, so that “a balanced report can be ensured”, as it states. It contains chapters on physical health and development, mental health, chronic illnesses and disabilities. Further chapters examine the relationships and conditions that have a significant impact on health, including demographic factors, living environments, environmental factors and social framework conditions. In addition, the report looks at issues such as the health opportunities and risks posed by digital media, as well as “young carers”, i.e. children and young people who look after family members. Last but not least, it provides an overview of health promotion and preventative measures, as well as the provision of healthcare in Switzerland, and ends with a discussion that includes specific recommendations for action. Overall, the report concludes that “a positive picture” can be seen with respect to the health of children, young people and young adults.

Various teams of authors were responsible for compiling the available data on the individual issues for the National Health Report. Their task here was to review the corresponding literature of the last 20 years, including results from Switzerland and relevant studies from neighbouring countries. They also had to prepare nationally representative data sources for Switzerland. It became apparent, as stated in the foreword, “that Switzerland is still at a very early stage in terms of the availability of data in this area”. The report explains that there are numerous gaps in the data and that, in many cases, individual items of data have to be put together like a jigsaw puzzle so that an overall statement can be made, at least to some extent. According to the authors, there are often no nationally representative data sources, particularly on the health of children under the age of ten. The report thus brings to light many gaps in the available data, and it is to be hoped that naming these will stimulate future research.

During the preparation of the report, Obsan was supported by a four-person expert committee. Julia Dratva, a researcher at the ZHAW School of Health Professions, was one of these four experts. The committee was involved in the selection of the report's chapters and, in some cases, its authors, as well as in the review of the manuscripts. Dratva, Head of the Research Unit for Health Sciences, also wrote the chapters on “Physical health and development” and “Chronic illnesses and disabilities”, together with other authors from the School of Health Professions.

“The report provides us with important insights into the current health of children, young people and young adults. However, like all other reports, it is based on data from the past,” says Julia Dratva. To promote the health and wellbeing of the population group investigated, researchers and those in positions of responsibility must focus on the future. “One of the report’s proposals is therefore the formation of a national committee comprising researchers who focus on the future of children,” she states.