Objective To investigate the residual paralysis in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases and its influencing factors in Jiangxi province from 2012 to 2023, and to provide a reference for the development of strategies to reduce residual paralysis.

Methods Data on 2118 AFP cases reported in Jiangxi province from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2023, were collected from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The residual paralysis status and its influencing factors were analyzed.

Results Among the 2118 AFP cases reported in Jiangxi province from 2012 to 2023, 338 cases had residual paralysis, with a residual paralysis rate of 15.96%. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, an interval of ≥ 3 days from onset to medical visit, a positive non-polio enterovirus or poliovirus isolation culture result, the presence of nuchal rigidity, the presence of limb sensory disturbance, the presence of urinary or fecal incontinence, and abnormal deep tendon reflexes were risk factors for residual paralysis in AFP cases in Jiangxi province. Age ≥ 1 years old, student status, having received ≥ 3 doses of polio vaccine, the presence of diarrhea, and the presence of muscle pain were protective factors against residual paralysis in AFP cases in Jiangxi province.

Conclusions The incidence of residual paralysis in AFP cases in Jiangxi province from 2012 to 2023 was relatively high. Sex, age, population type, number of polio vaccine doses received, interval from onset to medical visit, enterovirus isolation culture results, and the presence or absence of diarrhea, nuchal rigidity, muscle pain, limb sensory disturbance, urinary or fecal incontinence, and abnormal deep tendon reflexes were the main influencing factors for residual paralysis in AFP cases in this region.