Malnutrition Due to Climate Change in West Sumatra using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Square Approach

Abstract

The Climate change exacerbates people’s access to nutritious food and the risk of
malnutrition, especially for vulnerable groups. West Sumatra’s stunting rate in
2022 is above the national average. It is necessary to know the factors that influence
malnutrition. The study uses primary data with a questionnaire on heads of farmer
and fisher families in areas vulnerable to climate change in West Sumatra, Indonesia,
in 2024. We took a probability proportionate size sample of 305 and analysed it using 
Structural Equation Modelling with Partial Least Squares. The results showed a malnutrition
incidence of 76.4%. Environmental health directly influenced infectious diseases,
which in turn affected malnutrition, resulting in a large total effect of 0.113 (11.3%).
Environmental health indirectly impacts malnutrition through disease, resulting in a
substantial total effect of 0.309 (30.9%). Adaptation had a direct effect on malnutrition
and a large total effect of 0.197 (19.7%). Dietary patterns do not have a significant effect on
malnutrition. Adaptation to change includes reducing the incidence of infectious
diseases and improving access to sanitation.  We need adaptation strategies to enhance
environmental health and manage infectious diseases.