<![CDATA[Background: Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age, particularly those younger than two years. Malnutrition is an important risk factor that can impair immune function and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Hospital records at Selasih Regional Hospital, Pelalawan District, indicated an increase in pneumonia cases and malnutrition among children under two years of age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between nutritional status and the incidence of pneumonia among children aged 6–24 months. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design using secondary data obtained from inpatient medical records at Selasih Regional Hospital. The study population consisted of all children aged 6–24 months who were hospitalized between 2017 and 2022. A total of 393 medical records met the inclusion criteria and were included using a total sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: A significant relationship was found between nutritional status and the incidence of pneumonia (p<0.001). Children with poor nutritional status were 28.7 times more likely to develop pneumonia than children with normal nutritional status (OR=28.7; 95% CI: 13.5–60.7). Conclusion: Poor nutritional status is strongly associated with an increased risk of pneumonia among children aged 6–24 months. Efforts to improve nutritional status may help reduce the burden of pneumonia among young children.]]>
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