ObjectivesWe aimed to gain a better understanding of patients’ practice of hand hygiene (HH) and their knowledge and attitudes.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingA 3500-bed university-affiliated medical hospital in China.ParticipantsInpatients and their family members or caregivers.MethodsAn anonymous, self-reported questionnaire were used to collect data.ResultsA total of 376 questionnaires were issued, and 310 respondents completed it. Of the 310 respondents, 47.4% had received HH education, and 13.5% had a completing understanding of HH. A majority of patients believed that handwashing was important for disease recovery, and that it could prevent infection development. A total of 62.3% of patients washed their hands