KNOWLEDGE, ACCEPTANCE AND CONCERNS REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ON THE EAST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: ACROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Introduction: This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted from 1 April 2022 to 31 October 2022, aimed to assess the knowledge, acceptance and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women visiting the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: The study included all pregnant women aged ≥18 years. Sociodemographic data, information related to COVID-19 and vaccination and information on the knowledge, acceptance and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination were collected using a validated questionnaire. Results: Out of 420 eligible pregnant women, 412 participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 98.1%. Of the respondents, 97.1% had received a COVID-19 vaccine, while 2.9% had not. Approximately 85.2% demonstrated a good understanding of COVID-19 vaccination. Among those vaccinated, 76.8% based their decision on recommendations from healthcare providers or the Ministry of Health. Among those unvaccinated, 91.7% believed that COVID-19 vaccines could harm their pregnancy and baby. Although 51% of the respondents expressed concerns about vaccine safety, 202 still chose to be vaccinated, indicating a willingness to prioritise their health despite apprehensions. Conclusion: The study found no significant link between acceptance and good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination. However, income and prior COVID-19 booster vaccination were strongly associated with acceptance. Despite safety concerns, 97.1% of the respondents had received a COVID-19 vaccine. This emphasises the importance of providing comprehensive information and addressing concerns to support informed decision-making among pregnant women. Healthcare providers play a vital role in guiding them through this crucial decision-making process.

Imperforate hymen is a genital outflow abnormality that can occur in females. It can present with various symptoms and is associated with short- and long-term complications that may affect patients’ quality of life. Acute urinary retention in adolescents is a rare occurrence. We report a case of delayed diagnosis of imperforate hymen involving multiple visits to the clinic for urinary symptoms and the subsequent development of acute urinary retention. Awareness of this rare presentation is essential since delayed diagnosis is associated with hydronephrosis, endometriosis and infertility in later life.