Hand hygiene is considered the most effective way to reduce the transmission of (multidrug-resistant) organisms and to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Hand rubbing with alcohol-based handrub (AHR) has become the gold standard for hand hygiene. Data on AHR consumption are easy to obtain and can serve as an approximation for hand hygiene compliance. As described earlier, AHR consumption varies among European hospitals. In the current study the role of various hospital and country indicators for AHR consumption is analysed.