Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HFMD.

Methods The incidence data of HFMD and in Guangxi from 2008 to 2022 were collected from National Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System and local population data were collected from Guangxi Statistical Yearbook, and Joinpoint regression model was used to compare and analyze the incidence rates by year, sex, month and age.

Results From 2008 to 2014 the reported annual incidence of HFMD in Guangxi showed a rapid upward trend (β₁=92.92, P=0.030), and it showed downward trends from 2014 to 2017 (β₁=−44.55, P=0.833) and from 2017 to 2022 (β₁=−70.71, P=0.163). The annual reported incidence rate in men was higher than that in women, and showed rapid downward trend from 2014 to 2022 (β₁=−69.28, P=0.038). The incidence trend and change in women were similar to overall annual reported incidence. The average annual reported incidence in each age group showed downward trends annual percentage change (APC=13.80%, P<0.001), the incidence showed an upward trend in age group ＜2 years (APC) =15.38%, P=0.809), but a rapid downward trend in age group 2–15 years (APC=42.47%, P<0.001), The incidence trend age group over 15 years old showed a very low long tail (APC=5.30%, P=0.003). The average annual monthly reported incidence rate showed increase from January and peaked in May (APC=82.33%, P=0.017), then decreased from May to December (APC=−15.59%, P=0.077).

Conclusion The incidence of HFMD in Guangxi is still high, and the prevention and control of HFMD should continue to be strengthened. There is a risk of infection in all populations, especially in men and children under 2 years old, and the incidence peak is in summer, and health education and prevention and control measures should be conducted for key populations.