Objective To investigate the factors associated with ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD) in mechanically ventilated patients with severe pneumonia, providing preliminary evidence for identifying high-risk patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 261 patients with severe pneumonia undergoing mechanical ventilation and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to March 2024 were enrolled. Based on diaphragmatic ultrasound diagnostic criteria, patients were divided into the VIDD group (n=110) or the non-VIDD group (n=151). Baseline data on admission and treatment-related variables of the patients were collected. Univariate analysis was used to compare intergroup differences, and LASSO regression was employed to screen variables; subsequently, the selected variables were incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression model to analyze their correlation with VIDD occurrence. Results The incidence of VIDD was 42.15% (110/261). Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, serum albumin level, lymphocyte count, gender, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level, pre-treatment arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), and whether early functional exercise was performed (all P<0.05). LASSO regression identified 4 core variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher APACHE Ⅱ score on admission(OR=1.174, 95%CI: 1.046-1.317) and abnormal PEEP (OR=2.345, 95%CI: 1.309-4.234) were positively correlated with VIDD occurrence (all P<0.05), while higher serum albumin level (OR=0.943, 95%CI: 0.894-0.995) and early functional exercise (OR=0.389, 95%CI: 0.221-0.686) were negatively correlated with VIDD occurrence (all P<0.05). Conclusion In patients with severe pneumonia undergoing mechanical ventilation, higher disease severity (APACHE Ⅱ score) on admission and abnormal PEEP are associated with an increased risk of VIDD. Conversely, a higher serum albumin level at admission and the implementation of early functional exercise are associated with a reduced risk. Therefore, enhanced monitoring of diaphragmatic function is recommended for patients with these risk profiles in clinical practice.