<![CDATA[Nutritional problems among elementary school children remain a significant public health concern because they can adversely affectchildren's growth, development, health, and learning capacity. Knowledge and attitudes toward balanced nutrition are important factors that may influence children's dietary behaviors and nutritional status. The studu aims to determine the relationship between students' knowledge and attitudes toward balanced nutrition and their nutritional status at SD Muhammadiyah Mertosanan, Bantul.This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of all fourth- and fifth-grade students at Muhammadiyah Mertosanan Elementary School, Bantul, totaling 43 participants. Total sampling was used to recruit respondents. Data on knowledge and attitudes were collected using a structured questionnaire, while nutritional status was assessed using the BMI-for-age indicator based on WHO standards. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test with a 95% confidence level. The result showed that of the 43 fourth- and fifth-grade students, 62.5% of those with good knowledge had normal nutritional status, 88.9% of those with moderate knowledge had normal nutritional status, and 41.2% of those with poor knowledge were classified as overweight. Regarding attitudes, 92.3% of students with positive attitudes had normal nutritional status, 76.5% of those withmoderate attitudes had normal nutritional status, and 69.2% of those with poor attitudes were overweight. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge of balanced nutrition and nutritional status (p < 0.05), as well as between attitudes toward balanced nutrition and nutritional status (p < 0.05). In conclusion, knowledge and positive attitudes toward balanced nutrition are significantly associated with better nutritional status among elementary school students.]]>
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