Iran Journal of Nursing

  This is a field study, investigate the nursing care provided to pregnant diabetic women in their last trimester, who were admitted in teaching hospitals under the supervision of ministry of health and medical education in Tehran during 1993.

  The tool was check list that was completed by the researcher upon interviewing the subjects.

  Six items covered information of personal data of the women, number of beds in the unit, availability of medical specialist, nurse or licenced practical nurse for providing care to the subjects.

  50 items focused on matters like availability of diagnostic tests, physical examinations, amount of therapeutic care received and how the learning needs of the subjects were taken care of.

  The findings were presented in 25 tables and one graph. Both descriptive and inferal data were utilized.

  The results indicated that not all pregnant diabetic women in their third trimester receive adequate care, for only 58.33% diagnostic tests were available, only 41.67% received medical exams and the learning needs of 33.33% were met, the therapeutic needs obtained a better score, as it was covered by 83.33%.

  Further inferal data revealed no significant correlation between the variables mentioned above and personal characteristics of the subjects, which the availability of medical examination being an exception, that was significantly correlated with the number of medical specialists available. However, where the number of beds, specialists nurses and licenced practical nurses were more, the total care received by subject was better (level of significance=80%).

  Up on these finding suggestions for implications for nursing, medical and other health professionals were made. Finally further studies recommended.