Background

On behalf of UNICEF, a study was conducted in 2021 to assess the prevalence of mental health problems (depression and/or anxiety) among adolescents in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and to identify individual, family, social, and environmental factors associated with these problems. The study showed, among other things, that specific subgroups of young people are at increased risk of mental health problems, including adolescents with difficult family circumstances, low socio-economic status, stressful childhood experiences, or chronic illnesses.

Given the current international EARLY study on the mental health of 15 to 24-year-olds, in which Switzerland is also participating under the leadership of Prof. Julia Dratva, UNICEF has decided against conducting the study mentioned above again, as it is too similar to the EARLY study in terms of content and target group. Instead of a new study, UNICEF commissioned the ZHAW to conduct a literature review.

Aims

The literature review is intended to provide UNICEF with a solid basis for developing a policy paper and specifying and implementing further research in mental health.

Method

A systematic umbrella review of the international literature will be conducted. Articles will be included and excluded according to predefined criteria. A desktop search for additional evidence and studies from Switzerland will also be carried out. The relevant results will be extracted and compiled into a report (including recommendations) for UNICEF.