Background: Medical education has been regarded as one of the most demanding educational programs, both academically and psychologically. The psychological distress that medical students experience has been intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study determined the factors contributing to anxiety and depression among 1st to 4th year students of Ateneo de Zamboanga University – School of Medicine at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study that determined the prevalence as well as the predictive factors for anxiety and depression among 188 medical students of ADZU-SOM during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data gathering was conducted through an online survey via Google Forms. The anxiety and depression levels of the participants were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 item scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire–9 items (PHQ-9), respectively. Data on their demographic characteristics, COVID-19 pandemic-related factors, and apprehensions related to health and relationships (COVID-19 general apprehensions), and those concerning medical education (COVID-19 academic apprehensions) were also gathered. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics were done to determine the prevalence and levels of anxiety and depression among the participants, and Pearson’s chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were employed to determine the associations between the presence of anxiety and depression with the participants’ demographic characteristics, COVID-19 pandemic related factors, and COVID-19 general and academic apprehensions. Results: The overall prevalence of anxiety and depression among the medical students of ADZU-SOM in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic were 18.62% and 24.47%, respectively. Female gender, presence of COVID-19 positive patients in family and relatives, and apprehensions about surviving if infected with COVID-19, family members contracting the virus, poor relationships with family and friends, acquisition of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, academic performance, and prospects in the medical career were found to be positively associated with both anxiety and depression, with p-values of <0.05. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic appears to negatively affect the mental health of undergraduate medical students. The presence of COVID-19 positive patients in family and relatives and apprehensions related to health, relationships, and academics during the pandemic contribute to the development of anxiety and depression among medical students. Recommendations: The researcher recommends the assessment of resilience and coping strategies of the medical students during stressful situations, as well as the regular mental health assessment of all students of ADZU-SOM with referral and close monitoring of those with mental health problems. Keywords: mental health, anxiety, depression, medical students, COVID-19, pandemic

Keyword: Anxiety and depression among students