Structural Model of the Quality of Life of Stunting Children in Kupang City: An Approach Using Partial Least Square Modeling

Abstract

The meaning of stunting is not limited to children being shorter than their peers, where the meaning is more than that. Stunted children are prone to disease. Stunting children is a widely accepted predictor of poor quality of human resources, which in turn reduces a nation's productive capacity in the future. The aim of the research is to examine the structural model of the quality of life of stunted children using a partial least squares modeling approach in Kupang City to accelerate improving the quality of human resources. The research was designed cross-sectionally using a stratified sampling procedure, carried out using stratification and cluster techniques. Two sub-districts were randomly selected and obtained, namely Oesapa sub-district in the working area of the Oesapa Community Health Center representing the coastal ecosystem zone, and Sikumana sub-district in the Sikumana Community Health Center working area representing the plain ecosystem zone. In each ecosystem zone, 50 households were systematically selected that had stunted toddlers. Thus, as many as 100 stunting households were involved. The information data collected are: characteristics of the social ecosystem (environment), food security, mother's parenting patterns, housing environment sanitation, disease control efforts, nutritional intake, nutritional status, incidence of illness and quality of life for children under five. Data collection techniques were structured interviews, measurements, observations and group discussions. Data analysis using smartPLS-based structural equation modeling. The research results show that the quality of life of stunted children in Kupang City, both in the coastal ecosystem zone and the plain ecosystem zone is in normal status. Maternal parenting factors have a significant direct effect on improving the quality of life of stunted children with a large role reaching 45%; Meanwhile, social ecosystem (environmental) characteristics, food security and ..............