Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal analysis of hand–foot–mouth disease in Shandong Province, China

Background In recent years, hand‒foot‒mouth disease (HFMD) has become a major public health concern. More evidence is needed to elucidate the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal patterns of HFMD. This study aimed to analyse the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal aggregation of HFMD in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2021. Methods In addition to epidemiological characteristics, spatial autocorrelation and spatiotemporal analysis were employed to examine the distribution and aggregation of HFMD in Shandong Province. GeoDetector was used to analyse the impact of socioeconomic factors on the spatial heterogeneity of HFMD incidence. Results A total of 419 622 HFMD cases were reported, with a male-to-female gender ratio of 1.54:1. The average annual incidence was 69.61 per 100 000, and the majority (85.40%) of cases were in the 0–4-y age group. The incidence of HFMD increased in April and peaked from May to August. The central region, with Jinan as the core, was the main spatiotemporal cluster annually. Socioeconomic factors demonstrated a strong explanatory effect on the spatial distribution of HFMD incidence. Conclusions The incidence of HFMD in Shandong Province exhibited evident spatiotemporal aggregation. Relevant departments should enhance surveillance and seasonal warnings to mitigate the occurrence of aggregated outbreaks.