The Influence of Needs Satisfaction and Support on the Well-Being of Physicians Deployed in Underserved Communities

Karl Hendrick Bautista, Jianna Capillo, Mari Jazmin Ezekielle Lopez, Edgardo Javier Santos, Ivan Matthew Severino, Chloe Angela Mae Sio, Samantha Marie Tanchanco, Genejane Adarlo, Michelle Pia Eustaquio

This study investigated the influence of needs satisfaction and support on the well-being of physicians deployed in underserved communities. Basic Psychological Needs Theory is used as the theoretical framework, positing that fulfilling the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness can foster well-being and optimal functioning. The results revealed that meeting basic psychological needs alongside workplace conditions and individual characteristics can play distinct roles in promoting emotional, psychological, and social well-being as well as reducing the likelihood of anxiety and depression. This study suggests that promoting the well-being of human resources for health, particularly among physicians deployed in underserved communities, is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal for good health and well-being. By recognizing and addressing the diverse factors that contribute to the well-being of these physicians, healthcare organizations and policymakers can create environments that support their optimal functioning and, consequently, contribute to the overall improvement of health outcomes in underserved communities.

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