Second Doetsch Grether Prevention Barometer
Health prevention is increasingly understood as a holistic concept and thus also as part of a collective health strategy. The Swiss resident population clearly recognises its potential to relieve the burden on the healthcare system, particularly in financial terms. Accordingly, they expect support, guidance and fair access. Prevention should not be patronising, but understood as a shared responsibility, supported by individuals, experts and politics.
Doetsch Grether Prevention Barometer
Prevention is a multifaceted term that is becoming increasingly important in light of the rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. To mark its 125th anniversary in 2024, Doetsch Grether AG commissioned gfs.bern for the first time to design a barometer for prevention in Switzerland. The survey was conducted for the second time in 2025 and shows that preventive healthcare remains important and is increasingly being viewed comprehensively.
Health prevention remains firmly anchored in society
Health prevention remains firmly anchored in the Swiss population. In the current perception, it is primarily linked to one’s own lifestyle. The focus is on topics such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and preventive care. At the same time, health prevention is increasingly being considered in a broader sense: mental health, social integration and social conditions are gaining in importance and shaping a holistic understanding of health responsibility.
This also includes dietary supplements. For many people, they are an integral part of their individual prevention strategies. A quarter of the resident population takes minerals, vitamins or other dietary supplements every day. This is often motivated by preventive reasons.
Enabling prevention together
Expectations regarding preventive action are high, not only at an individual level but also within society as a whole. The potential of preventive measures to relieve the burden on the healthcare system is clearly recognised. At the same time, the question of responsibility remains complex. While personal responsibility is emphasised, there is a clear need for supportive structures, easily accessible access and guidance. Health prevention is therefore seen as a shared responsibility between individuals, experts and politicians.
Digitalisation: potential recognised, but still a long way off in everyday life
Digital health solutions are seen as promising by parts of the resident population: a majority already attribute great potential to artificial intelligence (AI) for health prevention and healthcare, especially young people. At the same time, the actual use of technological aids lags significantly behind these expectations. Everyday digital aids such as health watches, health apps and pedometers are not yet an integral part of preventive behaviour. Nevertheless, there are initial signs of growing interest.
Quo vadis?
Health prevention is thus continuing to develop as an individual field of action with social significance. It remains firmly anchored in everyday life, but is increasingly being thought of in systemic terms. This is giving rise to a new preventive self-image: multidimensional, practical and embedded in an environment of shared responsibility.
You will find the most important findings in the cockpit and the detailed results in the final report.
