LGBTQ+ YOUTHPATH Study
We are investigating how young people (with a focus on LGBTQ+) perceive the Swiss healthcare system and how they experience treatment. Share your experiences and thoughts on health as a young (LGBTQ+) person and contribute to the development of more inclusive care.
Information about our study
On average, LGBTQ+ people have poorer health than non-LGBTQ+ people. Experiences of discrimination, barriers to access and uncertainties in the healthcare system can contribute to this.
In our study, we want to find out what young LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ people think about health, how they experience the healthcare system, what their experiences are, or why they do not use it.
To this end, we are addressing the following questions:
- In which situations do you seek professional help – and when do you decide not to?
- What questions or considerations accompany you in this process?
- What positive or negative experiences do you have with the healthcare system?
By participating in the LGBTQ+ YOUTHPATH study, you are supporting research and helping to create the conditions for more inclusive and equitable healthcare for all young people.
Have we sparked your interest?
Who can participate?
- Our study focuses on LGBTQ+ people
- The experiences of non-LGBTQ+ people are just as important – you are warmly invited to participate, even if you are not LGBTQ+.
- You are between 18 and 25 years old
- You live in German-speaking Switzerland
- Knowledge of German or English to answer the questions
- It does not matter whether you use health services regularly or never
Information about participating in the study
In our study, we are working with an online tool. There, you can enter your thoughts on health topics and, if applicable, your experiences in the healthcare system at any time. From time to time, we will also send you an email or text message actively asking you to answer these questions. You can make entries in the online tool in writing or simply by using audio recordings (voice notes).
Sample questions
- Have there been any health issues or concerns that have been on your mind in the last two weeks?
- Can you tell us your reasons and thoughts on why you did not seek professional help?
In our study, we use an online tool. Once a month, you'll receive a short survey with a few questions – it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
If you'd like, this tool also offers an open health journal that you can access at any time. There, you can share more with us than just what's covered in the monthly questions. You can complete the survey questions and your entries in the health journal either in writing or simply as a voice message (voice note).
Ideally, you'll participate in the study for up to 16 months. During this time, we'll support you and provide you with interesting information on various health topics. Of course, your participation is voluntary – you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.
Benefits for you
- You will learn something about yourself and your own health
- You will receive vouchers and can take part in prize draws
- You will be actively contributing to creating the conditions for fairer healthcare for young (LGBTQ+) people
- You will receive a summary of the results after the study is completed in 2029
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at any time – by email at lgbtq-youthpath@zhaw.ch.
We look forward to your participation.
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) 
83 NFP: Gender Medicine and Health National Research Program
Project partner
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) 
University of Zurich 
Basel University Hospital
Data protection
All data will be treated confidentially. Please note that your data will be recorded if contact is established. If you are not interested in participating in the study, your data will be deleted immediately.