Abstract: Objective To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, practice and health education needs related to hepatitis B among undergraduates in Beijing, and to provide a scientific basis for health education in colleges and universities. Methods A questionnaire survey of 524 undergraduates in Beijing was conducted by random cluster sampling method. The questionnaire items cover demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practice and the need for health education, especially that via new media. Results The awareness rate of knowledge of hepatitis B was 71.3%; the average score was 9.27±2.78; the awareness rate for transmission of hepatitis B was only 67.2%; most undergraduates went to eligible hospitals for dental extractions and surgery never visit to ineligible places for ear piercing or tattoo, but 46.6% of them occasionally shared toothbrushes and razors with others; the top three preferred information channels for health education were school education (80.3%), radio/TV/film/video (65.6%) and clinical education (50.6%); the most popular publicity materials were the ones with illustrations such as posters, folding and comics (54.0%); the most selected way of internet searching was to view the medical information websites (62.6%); the most favorite form of internet publicity is text plus pictures (68.5%). Conclusions There is still a lack of essential knowledge about hepatitis B among undergraduates in Beijing. In the future, health education using new media as an information channel should be underlined in colleges and universities.

Key words: prevention and control of hepatitis B, undergraduates, KAP, demand for health education